The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and decorations. These joyous times also bring new hazards and safety considerations for homes and businesses alike. Each year nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays, claiming more than 50 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554M in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The increased use of candles, fireplaces, and combustible decorations means more risk for fire. It is important that employees and tenants know the property rules and regulations as they relate to holiday fire safety for your organization.
Candle Safety
You can prepare your home and business by prohibiting open flame candles; swap these out for battery operated candles. This also eliminates potential burns from hot wax.
Turkey Fryer Safety
Turkey fryers have become a new source for holiday fires. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there have been 168 turkey-fryer related fires, burns, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning incidents since 2002, with a resulting $8 million in property damage. Seek out professionals to fry your turkey or utilize a new oil-less fryer. Should you wish to fry your own turkey, follow these best practices:
- Always ensure your turkey is thawed and dry
- Set the fryer up at least 10 feet from the building on level ground
- Keep hand protection available as the lid and handle often become too hot to handle
- Keep a fire extinguisher present
Christmas Tree Safety
Christmas trees are often a great source of fun and memories; especially fresh trees. Use the following best practices to maintain Christmas tree safety:
- Keep trees at least three feet from heat sources (fireplaces, radiators, etc.)
- Only use lights tested by a qualified testing laboratory and designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use depending on your application
- Always turn off the lights when you leave for the day or place them on a timer
- Keep your tree watered, topping off the reservoir daily
- Never use lit candles as tree decorations