From Everyone at Rutt Insurance: We want to wish you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
Late fall and winter are the most prevalent seasons for house fires, and knowing the facts and implementing safety tips can make this time of year and the holidays more enjoyable and safer for friends and family. Additionally, Thanksgiving can signal the start of a peak time for home fires due to cooking accidents, electrical failures, dry trees, space heaters, fireplaces, candles, fireworks, and holiday lights, plus residents and visitors who choose to smoke in the home, to name a few.
- Trees: Water holiday trees often, ensure there are no faulty lights, and keep the trees away from heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters. Consider a fire-resistant artificial tree instead.
- Holiday Lights: Check for melted or damaged wires/plugs on holiday light strands and turn all lights off while away from home.
- Cooking: Turn pot handles inwards to prevent accidents in the kitchen. Avoid wearing loose clothing which can ignite easily. Don’t store items on the stove. The leading cause of home structure fires is from cooking and accounts for two out of every five house fires.
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- Fireplace: Hanging stockings in front of the fireplace is a common practice. Be sure stockings are hung elsewhere while the fireplace is in use. Fireplace screens or glass doors are good investments, especially when children are in the house.
- Candles: Keep candles out of the reach of children and blow each candle out before exiting home. Electrical candles are great alternatives and give a similar effect.
- Fire Escape Plan: Know escape routes and practice with family members. Purchase fire extinguishers for every floor of the home and test smoke detectors.
Emergency Preparedness Kit: Keep contact numbers handy for first responders, doctors, and insurance carriers. In case of destruction to home or office, contact a licensed, emergency services and property damage restoration company at PDR-PA.com.
For more information and a fire safety tip sheet, among others, visit the NFPA safety website.
Originally published by Paul Davis Restoration, Inc.