The National Fire Prevention Association has designated October as Fire Prevention Month. In many parts of the country, October begins the "heating season" - when fires are more common than during the rest of the year. October is also the month ushering in the holiday season (counting Halloween), and the holidays themselves are a season of increased fire risk. For instance, more residential fires occur on Thanksgiving Day, than on any other single day of the year - more than double the daily average!
Candles are always beautiful, and they are especially abundant during the holiday season. The top five days for home candle fires are: Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, Halloween and December 23rd. During 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 15,260 home fires started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 166 deaths, 1,289 injuries, and $450 million in direct property damage. Candles caused 4% of reported home fires, 6% of home fire deaths, 10% of home fire injuries, and 7% of direct property damage during this period. We all love the beauty of candles, but it is important to be careful!
So, as we get ready to enter this season, it is very important to keep safety in mind.
The National Fire Prevention Association recommends:
Cooking/Kitchen Safety:
• Always stay in the kitchen when cooking. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stovetop.
• No matter how you are cooking, check the food regularly. Use a timer to remind you to check the food.
• Wear short, close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can easily catch fire.
• Never use water to extinguish a cooking fire.
• If oil starts to boil, remove it from the heat source. Simply lowering the heat will not reduce the temperature fast enough.
• Be careful not to overfill pots with oil. You need room in the pan to add food. Overflowing oil can easily catch fire. If oil catches fire, use an oven mitt to carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire.
• If oil has overflowed and is burning, get everyone out of the house and call the fire department from outside.
• Keep towels, bags, plastic, and food packaging away from flame and heat.
• Never cook when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
Candle Safety:
• Always keep a burning candle within sight - never leave it unattended.
• Never burn a candle near anything that can catch fire.
• Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candles and place on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and is no longer glowing before leaving it.
• Never use a candle as a night light.
Christmas Decoration Safety:
• When decorating, be sure to use only lights rated for indoor use.
• Replace any lights that have worn, frayed, or broken cords.
• Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• Keep live trees moist by watering daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles - dried out trees are highly flammable.
• Make sure artificial trees are fire retardant.
• Place the tree near an outlet to avoid running long extension cords.
• Do not burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace. They are practically explosive.
General Fire Safety:
• Install smoke alarms and test them once a month (pick a day, such as the first of each month).
• Change the batteries regularly - many experts recommend changing your smoke alarm batteries twice a year - when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time, and back.
• Have a dry or foam fire extinguisher in your kitchen. Check the expiration date to be sure it is current.
• Have an evacuation plan in case of a fire. Practice the plan.
By knowing and using good safety practices, we can help to ensure that everyone has a joyous and safety holiday season. In the event a fire should occur, it is important for property owners to know what to do, what not to do, and who to contact once it is extinguished. PuroClean, known as The Paramedics of Property DamageTM, is a professional mitigation company specializing in property remediation after a home or commercial structure is damaged by fire and smoke. Fire, along with the resulting smoke and soot, can rapidly harm household items - even after the fire has been extinguished. It is imperative to seek help immediately from a professional restoration company such as PuroClean to prevent further damage.
Regardless of the circumstances - dealing with fire/smoke damage, water damage, or mold remediation - call your local PuroClean Professional Services.
866-944-7876
Emilio Soli, George Cruz - Managing Partners
