During the ‘Silly Season’ fires tend to be more frequent, costlier, and deadlier than at any other time of the year. Reports of open-flame fires more than double on Christmas Day compared to on any average day, and about twice as many on New Years. And when those fires occur, they do more damage: Property loss during a holiday fire can be roughly 34 percent greater, and the number of deaths is nearly 70 percent higher. When the source of the fire is a flammable Christmas tree, the damage toll in property and lives is even greater.

To keep your household a Safe Home this Silly Season, here are a few Christmas fire safety tips you can follow:

Candles

Candle fires are four times more prominent during the holidays than in other months. Four of the five most dangerous days of the year for residential candle fires are Christmas/Christmas Eve and New Year’s/New Year’s Eve.

To reduce the danger, keep about 30cm of space between the candle and anything flammable. Make sure all candles have a sturdy base. Never leave flames unattended.  Check each room, before bed, to make sure all candles are blown out.

Christmas Trees

30 seconds is about all it takes for the flames from a dry tree to engulf a room.

Artificial trees pose less of a fire threat; however, be sure to check that yours is fire-retardant.

If you prefer a real tree, make sure that it is at least a meter away from all heat sources, and water it daily. Buying a fresh green tree, with a fresh cut on the trunk is the best way to reduce risk.

Cooking

Food left unattended when cooking is one of the top fire causes during the holidays.

It’s easy to get distracted when you’re entertaining on Christmas; set a reminder on your phone or take an item with you when you exit the kitchen as a reminder that you have something cooking.

Make sure you have a fire blanket as well as a fire extinguisher that’s rated for all types of fires in your kitchen, and check that all your smoke detectors are working correctly.

Lights

When hanging up lights whether inside or outside, avoid using nails or anything which can damage the wiring and possibly increase the chance of a fire, instead, rather use clips or hangers.

Be sure to check all light strings, and throw out any damaged items. It is important that you don’t run more than three strings of lights end to end.

For more information on how to make your home a Safe Home this Christmas, contact us by clicking a button below.