Did you know? Fires during the holiday season cause over $930 million in damage and injure 2,600 individuals each year. Plus, nearly half of house fires occur from December to February. 

Given this, you must take a few minutes to learn how to prevent fires during the holidays so you and your loved ones stay safe while enjoying this season. 

How to Prevent Fires During the Holidays

Keep your home safe during the holidays with these fire safety tips: 

1. Watch what you're cooking.

Cooking fires are the number one cause of residential fires and fire-related injuries. Since we do a lot of cooking during the holidays, we must be extra careful.

For one, avoid using the stove if you're sleepy or had drinks. If you're frying, baking, or broiling indoors, stay in your kitchen until the food is cooked. 

Keep oven mitts, paper towels, curtains, and anything that might catch fire away from your stove and oven. If you want a more detailed guide on how to prevent an oven fire, check this out. 

2. Take care of your decorations.

Fires caused by Christmas trees are typically deadlier than other types of fire.

Always check if your live tree is fresh. Remember, no one wants a dry, fire-attracting tree. Your tree's needles shouldn't break when bent between your fingers and should be hard to pull from the branches. 

Plus, you need to keep the tree away from fire hazards like fireplaces, candles, paper, and space heaters. 

If you opt for an artificial tree, make sure it has a fire-resistant label. While the label doesn't guarantee the tree won't burn, it means it’s more resistant to catching fire.

In addition, inspect your electric decorations, especially when they have been stored for months. Just because they have been stored away doesn't mean they're safe to use again. Look out for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires and sockets that aren't fully intact. 

3. Be careful of candles. 

A lot of people like using candles during the holidays, but we recommend you use battery-powered or electric candles. They're safer and easier to manage. 

But you can still celebrate the holidays safely if you prefer regular candles. Just make sure to keep away flammable items, including decorations and curtains, at least three feet away from your candles. 

Plus, place your candles on a non-flammable surface to catch the wax, such as a tray lined with foil. Lastly, never leave lit candles unattended. 

4. Make sure your fire alarms work.

Test each fire alarm in your house and check the date. If the fire alarm is over ten years old, you must replace it. 

In addition, fire experts recommend having at least one smoke alarm on each floor and one per high-risk area, including the kitchen and garage. 

5. Have your fire kit ready.

Your fire prevention kit is your first line of defense against fires. It should contain a fire blanket, fire spray, smoke mask, and fire protection gloves. 

Keep this kit ready for when a small fire starts. Check out these guides if you want to know how to properly use the Hero Fire Spray and the Fire Emergency Blanket. 

Conclusion

The holidays should be for happiness, not worry. By following the fire prevention tips above, you can create a safe, fire-free holiday for your loved ones. Prioritizing safety this season also ensures your holiday memories are filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. Happy holidays!