Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration

Family gatherings, entertaining and festive decorations are among the highlights of theholiday season. According to the United States FireAdministration, during theThanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s season,  there is an elevated risk for home fires dueto extensive cooking, decorations, home heating and open flames.

Holiday Decorations: Decorate with non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.Never use lighted candles on a tree, evergreens or other flammable materials.Don’t place candles near children, pets or gift wrapping.

 Lights: Make sure thereare no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. Check labels to besure about the proper use of indoor and outdoor lights. Don’t overloadelectrical outlets.

Trees: Cut a few inches off the trunk of a live tree and fill thestand with water to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Anartificial tree should be labeled "Fire Resistant." Place trees awayfrom fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.

Fire Escape Plan: Make sure everyone understands the escape routes and whereto meet once outside. 

Smoke Alarms:  Make sure your smokealarms are in proper working order and change the batteries at least twice ayear.

Fire Extinguishers:  Make sure there is aworking fire extinguisher in the kitchen, laundry room, and garage. Learn howto use the fire extinguisher.

Fireplace/Chimney: Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by aprofessional chimney sweep. Never burn greens, boughs, papers, or otherdecorations in the fireplace.  Check to see that the flue is open beforestarting a fire.

Keep a list with important emergencyphone numbers: Include police and firedepartments, doctors and the national poison help line.

Hope you have a great Holiday Season!

PDR&R Crew!