Holiday Fire Safety Considerations

During the holiday season, some of the things that people do to enjoy the festivities can create significant fire hazards. Being conscientious about the risks and taking appropriate precautions can prevent unfortunate accidents. Here are some common causes of holiday fires that homeowners need to be aware of.

Christmas Lights

The lights on a Christmas tree can become extremely hot when they are on for an extended period of time. All of the incendiary material that makes up each branch may cause a large fire to form rather quickly.

One of the most important things that people need to do for fire safety during the holidays is turn off Christmas lights at night rather than leaving them plugged in continually. This vital safety measure can prevent extensive fire damage and home insurance claims.

Kitchen Fires

Being attentive to cooking is one of the most fundamental holiday fire safety tips that everyone needs to be mindful about. What you cook during the holidays is likely to be different from your usual routine. You may be cooking large quantities of food for a big group or preparing dishes that you don’t have a lot of experience making. Also, a lot of visitors while you are cooking can be very distracting.

Be sure to set timers, and do not leave items on the stovetop unattended. Be prepared to put out a grease fire safely instead of splashing water on it.

Fireplace Mishaps

A blazing fireplace is a great way to create a warm and cozy holiday feeling in your home. Unfortunately, an infrequently used fireplace may be problematic. Homeowners who don’t use their fireplace often may be unaware of problems with a clogged chimney or closed flue. These types of fire hazards could make a home fill with smoke rapidly. Home insurance providers receive claims for fires and smoke damage which originate in chimneys. Proper maintenance can effectively eliminate this type of hazard.

Keeping a screen around a fireplace is another essential safety step to prevent a holiday house fire. Without a protective barrier, a log can easily roll out of a fireplace. Also, the sparks from a fire can come into contact with combustible items such as decorations or furniture. In addition, flammable items such as wrapping paper can make their way into the fire and cause it to spread. It is crucial to keep a screen around a fireplace to enjoy a yuletide fire safely.

Fire prevention awareness is important all year, but it is especially important for homeowners during the holidays. During a time when people are distracted with the festivities, the possibility of a fire may easily slip out of mind. Staying vigilant about fire prevention can help you keep the people who you cherish safe from harm and protect your home from serious damage.

About Byrnes Agency

At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.

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Dayville Office

Phone: (860) 774-8549

394 Lake Rd

Dayville, CT 06241

United States

info@byrnesagency.com

Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Norwich Office

Phone: (860) 886-5498

6 Consumers Avenue

Norwich, CT 06360

United States

info@byrnesagency.com

Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm