Safety Tips to Prevent Holiday Fires

With the colder weather upon us, more and more families are lighting fires to keep warm throughout this winter season. An out-of-control fire can quickly put a damper on the most wonderful time of the year, however, so there are some critical safety tips to keep in mind when heating your home for the holidays. 

The holidays are a time for celebration, and many of these celebrations involve gathering around a Christmas tree. While offering nice ambiance to your home, Christmas trees can prove to be a huge fire hazard, and should be kept away from any and all heating sources. A dry Christmas tree can go up in flames in less than 30 seconds, so remembering this essential rule is crucial. 

Candles can prove a fire hazard this time of year as well, so take note to keep them away from any flammable materials, such as curtains or drapes. Don’t leave the house with any candles and still burning, and be sure to blow them out before going to bed as well. 

One of the most common causes of holiday fires is cooking. With so much hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year, it can be easy to put something in the oven and completely forget about it. Remember to set timers on your food, and it may be a good idea to set multiple, so you don’t run the risk of not hearing one. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any mishaps. 

Finally, fireplaces obviously pose a threat as well. Before lighting any seasonal fires, have your chimney inspected to make sure it is clean enough. Remember to only burn dry firewood, never any wrapping paper or other flammable materials.

About the Author

Tyler Thurston is an e-newsletter editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.