Feeling Festive? Tips for Preventing House Fires Around the Holidays | SERVPRO of Blount County

4/22/2024 (Permalink)

In need of fire damage recovery assistance? Contact SERVPRO of Blount County any time, day or night.

The holiday season is an exciting time of year, but it’s also the peak time for house fires. With all the festivities and decorations, it’s easy to overlook potential fire hazards.

Taking proactive measures to prevent fires during the holiday season can help keep your family and home safe. Check out the tips below from our SERVPRO® team to help you stay safe this season. 

Be Mindful of Your Tree
A beautifully decorated tree can be the centerpiece of your holiday décor, but it can also be a significant fire hazard. To start, choose a fresh tree that is green and has needles that are difficult to pull out. Dried-out trees can catch fire more easily, so make sure to water your tree regularly. You should also keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators and candles.

If you have an artificial tree, be sure to check any lights and make sure there are no cords that are fraying or coming apart. Finally, be sure to turn off all lights before going to bed at night.

Practice Safe Cooking Habits
Holiday cooking is a tradition for many families, but it’s also a leading cause of house fires. Our first recommendation to reduce your risk is to stay in the kitchen. If you have to leave, consider turning off the oven or the stove while you are away. In addition, keep anything flammable far away from your heat source. 

You should also take the time to check your appliances. Faulty knobs, loose connections or even a single frayed wire can lead to a serious fire risk.  If you notice any frayed cords or other damage, do not use the affected appliance(s).

Decorate With Safety in Mind

Holiday decorations can add a festive touch to your home, but they can also be the cause of some pretty serious fires. Flameless candles are a great alternative to traditional candles, and you don’t have to worry about blowing them out before leaving a room. If you like to decorate your home with lights, be sure that you aren’t overloading your outlets or overusing extension cords.  

If you have a fireplace, radiator or anything else that produces heat in your home, take care to keep decorations far away from these areas. Even hanging something too low on the mantle over your crackling fireplace can be dangerous and can lead to total destruction of your home. 

Keep in mind that we are available 24/7 to respond to your call for help! If your home suffers fire damage this holiday season, let us help you recover faster so you can get back to your holiday celebrations faster.

We can help you recover from fire damage. Call SERVPRO of Blount County day or night.