The most favorite time of the year for many people, the holiday season can also be one of the busiest. With all of the parties, celebrations, and other special events, it can be easy to forget even the most essential things on your long to-do list. Ashbusters would like to remind you of the importance of remembering to follow fireplace safety tips over the holidays. You do not want a chimney fire to ruin this season for you and your family, and statistics from the National Fire Protection Agency(NFPA) have proven that more house fires occur over the holidays than any other day of the year. Holiday fires also claim more lives and leave behind more property damage. To prevent an accidental fire from disrupting your holidays, Ashbusters would like to share a few fire safety tips with you to consider this season.
CHRISTMAS TREES
According to the NFPA, an average of 200 fires are started every holiday season by Christmas trees. Although they are not the leading cause of holiday fires, Christmas tree fires usually can be much more serious. Typically one death occurs per 143 reported house fires; however, out of every 32 fires started by a burning Christmas tree results in one death. To keep your family safe, choose a fresh tree with green needles and place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces and radiators. Since a dry tree is more flammable, make sure to add water to the stand every day. You should check your decorating lights to see if they have a label from an independent testing laboratory and replace all lights with frayed or broken cords or with loose bulb connections. Never place lighted candles on your tree. Once the holidays are over, do not burn your tree in your fireplace. Instead, you should take your tree to a recycling center in your community.
STOCKINGS AND OTHER HOLIDAY HEARTH DECOR
While many people love to hang their Christmas stockings from the mantle of their fireplace, this traditional holiday decor can be a fire hazard when you are using your fireplace. If you just do not feel right about not hanging your stockings on the hearth, you will need to move them to a different location whenever you light a fire in your fireplace. This can be inconvenient and even hard to remember sometimes, which is why many fire safety organizations recommend finding another permanent spot for your stockings. You should also be careful decorating your mantel with other flammable types of decorations, such as greenery, candles, fabric, and paper.
To ensure your safety from holiday fires this year, Ashbusters strongly recommends having your chimney professionally swept and inspected before the season begins. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your annual professional chimney maintenance services. We value your safety and want to wish you and your family a very joyful holiday season.