Safety Tips to Prevent Holiday Fires

  • By Tyler Thurston
  • Nov 29, 2012
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.

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