Give the Gift of Safety
—Prevent Home Fires
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Candles, decorative lights, and cooking are part of December traditions. But with them comes an increased potential for house fires. While not all fires happen in December, most residential fires do occur during winter. Now is a great time to take steps to reduce your chances of having a house fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading causes of home fires are cooking, heating, electrical, and smoking materials. A cooking fire usually occurs because the cook left food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling. Don’t leave the house if you are doing other types of cooking, such as simmering, baking, or roasting. Use a timer to remind yourself about the cooking. Always keep an oven mitt and a pan lid nearby.
Fires caused by heating equipment are second only to cooking fires. For safety, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, use only heating equipment labeled as tested by a recognized testing laboratory, and never use your oven for heating.
Keep your house safe from electrical fires by making sure that wiring and electrical devices are in good working order. Check decorative lights before you hang them. Replace or repair frayed or loose cords. Avoid overloading outlets. If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician. Place lamps on level surfaces, and use bulbs that match the recommended wattage.
Smoking materials are the leading cause of fire-related deaths. The most common materials first ignited are mattresses, bedding, and upholstered furniture. Is there a smoker in your house? Three steps to preventing a smoke-related fire are smoke outside; use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy surface; and make sure butts and ashes are out by dousing them with water or sand before discarding.
Candles are a big part of our December celebrations, but if not handled properly, they can be a cause for grieving. To avoid problems, always be careful when burning candles. Use sturdy, safe candleholders and protect flames with glass chimneys or containers. Keep children and pets away from burning candles.
Look for more information about home fire prevention from these organizations:
The American Red Cross provides fire safety information in English and in Spanish.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a fact sheet on fire deaths and injuries.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has fire safety fact sheets for parents and educators.
The Home Safety Council provides several holiday safety resources and safety education materials.
The National Fire Protection Association has facts and figures on heating equipment and other causes of home fires.
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