Holiday Home Safety

During the holiday season, an estimated 47,000 fires claim more than 500 lives each year. This is why safety is not just important in the workplace, but also in your home. Let’s review some of the best ways to keep yourself safe from fires, decorating hazards, and even the invisible killer this season.
 
Holiday Decoration Safety
With over 7,000 fires from Christmas trees and holiday decorations each year, tis the season for safety. When choosing holiday décor, remember to:

• ​Find decorations that are flame resistant or retardant
• Keep decorations away from all heat sources and steer clear from doors and windows
• Inspect all light strings for broken or worn cords
• Do not hang strings with nails or something that can damage the cords
• Do not use any decorations rated for the indoors in an outdoor setting

 
Smoke Alarms
When a fire breaks out, a smoke alarm can be the quickest way to alert the whole household of an emergency. Some helpful tips to remember regarding smoke alarms include:

• Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom and on every level of your home
• Connect alarms so when one is signaled, all of them will sound
• Keep alarms at least 10ft away from your stove to reduce false alarms
• Test alarms at least once a month and check batteries every year
• Consider replacing alarms once they have been in service for more than 10 years

 
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Also known as the ‘Invisible Killer’, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless/colorless gas created when fuels don’t burn completely. With over 80,000 incidents each year, having a CO detector during the cold months is imperative to home safety. Consider these tips when looking to install your monitor:

• Centrally locate your CO monitors around all sleeping areas and heat sources
• Connect alarms so when one is signaled, all of them will sound
• If alarm sounds, move immediately where fresh air is available
• Keep all vents and exhausts clear of snow and clutter
• Do not run any generators or fuel engines indoors without proper exhaust to the outside

 
Home fires can start and spread quickly. Remembering to keep decorations away from hazards and checking your alarms/monitors regularly can keep your family safe and ready to respond to an emergency. To keep the conversation going, download the NFPA Safety Tips or comment below.

NFPA Winter Holiday Safety