Thankfully, most of these fires are preventable. By understanding why they happen and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a warm, safe and worry-free holiday season.
Here are the most common reasons for the uptick in home fires at this time of year:
- Cooking. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires year-round, and they spike during the holidays. With family visiting, multiple dishes cooking at once and plenty of distractions, it’s easy to step away from the stove or forget something in the oven. A small lapse in attention can quickly turn into an unexpected fire.
- Holiday lights and decorations. Twinkling lights and festive décor bring joy to the season, but they also bring risks. Frayed wires, overloaded outlets and dry Christmas trees can all turn dangerous if not handled carefully. Candles are another major culprit. A single unattended candle left near wrapping paper, drapes or greenery can start a fire in seconds.
- Heating. Space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves work overtime during the winter months, and if they’re not used properly, they can quickly ignite nearby furniture, curtains or decorations. Heating equipment fires peak between December and February, often because something flammable is left too close to a heat source.
Although every fire can’t be prevented, many of them can be by following these simple safety tips:
- Cook with care. Stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when frying. Keep towels, utensils and paper products away from the stove. Turn pot handles inward so they aren’t accidentally knocked over. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires — never use water if oil is involved.
- Decorate smartly. Inspect all light strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs before plugging them in. Don’t overload outlets or connect too many strings of lights together. Keep live trees well-watered and away from heat sources. Choose flameless candles whenever possible, and if you use real candles, never leave a room while one is burning.
- Heat safely. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from space heaters or fireplaces. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to bed. Have your heating system, chimney and vents inspected every year.
Home fires increase during the winter and holiday months, but there are steps you can take so they’re less likely to ruin your enjoyment of the season. Take time to protect your home and follow these smart tips so fires don’t damage your property and put your loved ones at risk.
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Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital
