Tips for a Happy—and Fire-Safe—Holiday Season | SERVPRO® of Putnam County

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our team is available 24/7 when you have a fire emergency. SERVPRO of Putnam County is here to help.

The holiday season is just around the corner. That means many different things to different families—big meals, trees and gifts. But while you’re celebrating with the people you love, be sure you’re also taking the steps you need to take to keep your home safe.

Understanding Thanksgiving Fire Risks

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the biggest fire threats during the Thanksgiving holiday revolve around the kitchen.

Don’t leave the stove unattended. While it’s tempting to leave pots simmering while you socialize, or to stick the turkey in the oven and forget it until your timer goes off, the truth is that this habit is a risk for fire. Be sure you’re checking your food regularly. Not only does it help guarantee your meal will taste great, but it also helps you spot possible kitchen fires before they become a real issue.

Check your cords and appliances. Your kitchen works overtime to prepare for Thanksgiving. You might have everything from your coffee maker to an air fryer plugged in to help you prepare for the feast. Be sure the cords are placed in ways that don’t pose a tripping hazard to children darting into the kitchen or busy cooks working on finishing the meal. These appliances can be a fire hazard if they’re pulled off the counter or malfunction.

Practice good candle safety Fall holiday candles are popular additions to many Thanksgiving parties. But if they’re knocked over or left burning too long, they can cause a fire hazard. Be sure to place candles in safe places that small children can’t reach and don’t leave them burning unattended.

Tips for a Safe Christmas

When it’s time to decorate your home, be sure you keep fire safety at the top of mind when you’re stringing lights and putting up your tree.

These tips from a leading insurance provider can help you and your family put together a festive atmosphere and still protect your home from fire risks.

The “Thanksgiving rules” still apply to the kitchen. While Thanksgiving is known for family feasts, most Americans cook a big meal for Christmas, too. Be sure you watch simmer pots and cooking turkeys or hams carefully.

Keep your tree away from heat sources. As a general rule, you’ll want to be sure your tree is several feet away from hot vents, space heaters, and fireplaces. This reduces your risk of accidentally starting a fire in your home.

Turn the lights off when you leave. While twinkling lights look pretty from your window at night, leaving them on when you’re not home can raise your house fire risk.

We’re Here to Help

Even the most diligent homeowners can sometimes have an accident or an unforeseen circumstance regarding a house fire. If it happens to your home, we’re available any time day or night to help you start repairing the damage and restoring your home.

Our team is available to help ²⁴⁄₇ when you have a fire emergency, so don’t hesitate to call us if you need us.