17 Firefighters' Christmas Fire Safety Tips and other security experts

Here's how to keep your festive home and without fire this holiday season, according to professionals.


With the lights around theChristmas tree glittering, shiny burning candles and the glow of the hot fireplace, your home is never as comfortable as duringChristmas time. This can feel firmly magical this period of the year. However, while your house cansee prettier than ever during the holidays, these hot and blurred additions also bring an increaseRisk of fire to your humble home. In fact, between 2013 and 2017, US fire departments have responded to an average of 940 home fires started with Christmas trees and other vacation decorations each year, according to theNational Fire Protection Association. But with these new Christmas expertsFire safety tips Former firefighters and other security professionals, you can always make your festive home, while keeping the safety of this holiday season.

1
Do not use your oven for storage or heat.

woman opening oven to possible use as a heater
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Although many people place their cookie leaves and their other cooking in their ovens when they do not use them, it's never a good idea to use the device as a storage space. TheBurbank Fire Department Explicitly warns against her, noting that something flammable could be left accidentally and cause an oven fire.

Also, even when he getsvery cold This Christmas season, think about twice before using your oven or stove as a way to provide extra heat to your home.Chuck Roydhouse, a retired professional firefighter and president ofPathy Safety Institute of Americasaid that, although it is not uncommon for people to make, ovens and stoves are not specifically put in place for heating purposes, so it is therefore dangerous to use them as such.

2
Sprinkle your Christmas tree every day.

wet christmas tree with red ornament with water droplets
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The fastest way to make your tree rising in flames? Let it turn on.Harry Knowles, home security expert withMy Handyman services, warns the owners withreal Christmas trees Check frequently that their trees do not have "no dry zone of the amaders". Only one spark near dry wood can start a fire just 30 seconds, he says.

3
And only put artificial artificial fire resistant to fire.

fake christmas trees in the store
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If you are not looking to follow the maintenance and danger possible to have areal Christmas treeYou do not think you are clear with any "artificial ole" other than you find in a store or online. "When buying an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-resistant," explain security experts toFirst alert. "As this label does not mean that the tree did not reach fire, the tree will better withstand combustion and can be off more quickly."

4
Inspect the lights of your tree.

woman looking at the lights on her christmas tree
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Whatever the type of tree you have this season, you should always inspect the lights you place on it. Roydhouse says that all Christmas lights should be "free of frayed threads or bulk edges", which can easily cause a spark, turning into a fire in a business case. And, if you use the same strand of lights for years, it could worth up to upgrade more recent lights and sturdard, just forKeep your home as safe as possible.

5
Do not dispose of packaging paper in your fireplace.

little girl unwrapping gifts in front of the fireplace on christmas morning
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It's easy to get caught in the joy and excitement that comes withUnpack new treats at ChristmasBut be sure to monitor exactly where all that all that torn the packing paper is going on - and certainly did not dispose it by throwing it into the chimney.

"Christmas morning, do not make the mistake of throwing the gift wrapping paper in the fireplace," says Roydhouse. "The packaging paper creates a way too much heat, and it is very easy to have a firefurn on this way. It puts too much heat in the chimney and if you have fuels out there, this heat s 'enlishes. "

6
Follow the "ruler of three" when it comes to current bands.

extension cord on the floor with plugs surrounding it
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With Christmas lights, space heaters and all the electronic components of everyday life, there is a lot to plug during the holiday season. And with electric fires being a real concern, you must follow the appropriate precautions. The experts atMr. Electric, a residential electrical service across Canada and the United States, recommends following the "rule of three" when it comes to current strips, which means that three electronics should not be connected in a single band at a time.

7
Never use an extension cord or feeder with your space heater.

extension cord in a man's hand
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With regard to spatial radiators and extensions, both shouldnevermeet. "When you buy a space heater, it will come with a certain cord length and you never want to extend that using an extension," says Roydhouse. "When you extend the length of the cord, you overload the cord and it's hot. As a result, it can burn through a carpet or insulation and define something on fire, or create an electric shock. And you never want to connect a space heater into any type of multi-socket power band, you want to plug it directly into the wall. "

8
And place it three feet of everything and everything.

space heater weird old household objects
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The safety rules of spatial heating devices do not end with not connecting it to another electrical source. "Space heating machines are thousands of household fires every year. If you use one, make sure it has at least three feet off all sides, and keep it away from children. , pets and tissues, "saysDiana Rodriguez-ZabaPresident ofServicemaster Restoration of Zaba.

9
Do not use indoor lights outside.

christmas lights outside a house
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Did you know that there are specific types of Christmas lights for outdoor use compared to the outside? And if you are looking for the latter, it is said that knowledge that is only explicitly labeled for outdoor use. Most indoor lights have thinner cords that can be easily damaged and becoming subjects when exposed toDifficult weather conditions.

10
And do not run with Christmas lights through the windows or doors.

christmas lights outside on window sill
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This may seem like a logical option, but never feed your Christmas lights outside your windows or doors. According to the electrical experts of Mr Electric, this can "cause the constant pressure of the constant pressure of the opening and closing movement, rendering them sensitive to shock, which could easily cause a fire."

11
Define timers when cooking and cooking.

dad coming out with a turkey to place on the christmas dinner table
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There is nothing quite like the perfect Christmas meal, but you have to be careful while preparing your family holidays. "Take your time with Christmascooking, andDo not leave it for the last moment. It can be difficult to prepare a meal with all guests and excitement around you, "saysCyrus Bedwyr, home improvement expert withFantastic services. "Fire accidents caused by a forgotten food are quite common at this time of the year."

12
Pay attention to where you put your decor.

woman decorating her home for christmas
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While completelyHouse decorated for the holidays is certainly beautiful, it is important that you do not sacrifice security in the process.Glenn Wisemansales manager forTop Hat Home Comfort Services, says many fires at home occur during this period because the holiday decoration is misplaced. "For example, people must remember and understand the dangers that come whenplacing their Christmas tree Near an electric baseboard or a ventilation system, "he says." And have garlands suspended or more such things can also be afire hazardas well as placing your tree right next to your fireplace. "

13
Get rid of dead leaves near your home.

pile of dead leaves
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Think about it: have crispy and dry dead leaves all your lawn is almost like covering it in Kinkling. As firefighters of theOrange County Fire Authority Warn, dead leaves can easily ignite, they should be kept away from home to prevent a rapidly spreading fire.

14
Have several fire extinguishers and know how to use them.

fire extinguisher in home on the counter
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Roydhouse not only retains some fire extinguishers in your home during the winter, but also to learn how to use them properly. AsZack Zarrilli, Firefighter and Founder of the CPR Training CompanySureFire CPR, previously saidBetter life, you should use thePAST. method: Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher; Aim for the nozzle at the base of the fire; Press the handle to release the extinguishing agent; And sweep the nozzle side next to the base of the fire until it comes out.

15
Be cautious when it comes to candles.

christmas candles surrounded by pine cones
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Although candles can be a nice piece of home decoration, having an open flame in your home is an easy way to start a fire. Battery candles are an excellent alternative if you want the potential risk look of a real flame. But if you are still wanting to use real candles, knowledge owners are experiencing real candles to place them away from the Christmas tree and other flammable decorations like garlands, twigs and flowers.

16
Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms.

smoke alarm on a wood ceiling
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Having a working smoke detector in your home can mean the difference between life or death when it comes to a fire from the holiday home. The first alert experts note that "smoke alarms must be installed at all levels of the house, inside each room and the outdoor sleeping area". They also recommend that you test alarm every month and change batteries every six months. "

17
Create an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with your family.

famcreating fire escape plan
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If this smoke alarm goes out, you need to know exactly what to do next. "If your family needs to evacuate your home, every second account", highlight the first alert experts. They recommend developing an emergency evacuation plan with two identified outings of each room and a dating place dedicated outside. And this exhaust plan should be practiced twice a year by the entire family.


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