Tips to Help you Prevent a Holiday House Fire

12/13/2018 (Permalink)

With there being nearly 47,000 fires that occur during the winter holiday time, here are a few tips to help you prevent a fire this time of year.

• Remember to have your Christmas tree, candles and any other decorations at a minimum of 3 feet away from any heat source (Examples are fire places, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles).
• Make sure the tree you currently have or are looking to purchase is flame retardant metallic or artificial.  If you are one who prefers a real tree make sure it has fresh green needles that aren't easily broken.  Keep your real tree as moist as possible by making sure you water them often.
• Verify that your lights and decorations are in good condition.  Pay close attention to make sure there are no wires showing on the light strings.  Make sure to always follow the Manufacture's instructions that come with your lights and possibly your decorations.
• Remember to unplug your tree and lights before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Always make sure that you have no lit candles when you leave your house or go to bed, and never use lit candles to decorate your Christmas tree.
• Make sure that your tree stand is designed to prevent your tree from tipping over.  Keep your curious pets and children away form the tree.
• Designate someone to walk around the home to make sure that all the candles or smoking materials are completely extinguished after the guests leave.
• Make sure that anything flammable (Example pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains)are always kept away from the stove top.
• Smoke Alarms save lives!  Make sure you have one installed near your kitchen.  You should also have some alarms on every level near sleeping areas, as well as inside and outside bedrooms if you are someone who likes to sleep with your door closed.  You should test your smoke alarms at least once a month and write on your calendar to remind yourself to change the batteries in the smoke alarm once a year.

Please watch the video provided by NFPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr6b9b8FYKk&feature=youtu.be

If the unfortunate happens call SERVPRO of Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Hibbing at 218-999-9799.  You can submit your own questions on our Facebook page, facebook.com/SERVPRO.BEMIDJI.GRANDRAPIDS.HIBBING, or on Twitter, @SERVPROBGRH.