Do You Know What the Top Causes of Fire are in December?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Constant watering keeps trees fresher longer, but the moment the tree appears to drop its needles, it’s a sign that it is drying out.

Fire damage restoration specialist of SERVPRO of West Riverside City recommend the importance of keeping safety top of mind with a small family gathering as it is with a large holiday party.

Many enjoy bringing the glow of the holiday season to their homes with Christmas trees or menorahs and candlelight, but statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration show how easy it is for home decorating to turn into a home disaster.

Here are are few areas to be watchful of:

• The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve. More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.

• A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires. On average, one of every 52 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death.

• It is also important to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for holiday lighting. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 44 percent of home Christmas tree fires.

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable, check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear and don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.

• Water your tree daily. Constant watering keeps trees fresher longer, but the moment the tree appears to drop its needles, it’s a sign that it is drying out.  From the moment a spark ignites a Christmas tree, it can take only a matter of minutes before noxious smoke and scorching heat fill the entire room, igniting everything within it. Seconds later, the fire can travel up a staircase and perhaps make escape virtually impossible for anyone on the second floor of your home.  

For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, visit SERVPRO of West Riverside City. For more information on SERVPRO of West Riverside City, contact us at 951-351-8033.