Holiday Heating Safety Tips

December is a wonderful time to Deck the Halls for the holidays and plan for family and friends to gather together. With over half of all heating fires coming during the holiday season, taking a few precautions can help keep you from having a Blue Christmas. Below we discuss some heating safety tips surrounding fires, open flames, electric heaters, and décor.
 
Roasting on an Open Fire
Nothing sets the perfect holiday scene like a log fire in the living room. While warming to the heart and body, open flames pose big risks in a home. If you use a fireplace during the holiday season, make sure to:

• Have it be cleaned and inspected by a professional
• Use the proper fuel source
• Keep all flammable objects and decorations at least three feet (3ft) from the flames
• Install a guard or screen in front to prevent sparks from flying outward

 
Candlelight Carol
Candles help set the Christmas mood and bring wonderful scents of pine and cinnamon pouring through the home. While appealing to the eye and nose, nearly one-third of all décor fires involve a candle. Before you light a candle, be sure to:

• Sit away from curtains or other decorative items that may be flammable
• Once lit, install in a base or stand to allow wax to cool properly
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Blow out candles before leaving home or going to bed

 
Deck the Halls
The glow of a nice heater and light strings will help make you feel warm and cozy but can turn disastrous if not cared for. When using an electric heater or electrical decorations, don’t forget to:

• Inspect cords for tears or wear. Remove and replace if damaged
• Plug in directly to an outlet when required. Do not overload circuit with multiple heaters or decorations
• Confirm heaters and decorations are rated for indoor use
• Unplug before leaving the house. Set a timer if you are going to bed

 
The holidays are a wonderful time of year and should be filled with joy and good tidings. Make sure yours are full of this by practicing safe heating procedures and sharing with your family and friends. To keep the conversation going, feel free to comment below. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!