Winter brings the joy of holidays and cozy evenings and increases the risk of house fires. The National Fire Protection Association reports that home structure fires cause damages of about $6-8 billion annually, with over 360,000 incidents. Superior Contract Cleaning is here to provide you with the most common causes of house fires during the wintertime and offer essential safety tips for you and your family.
Candles, often used to enhance holiday decorations or add fragrance to homes, are a significant fire hazard. It’s crucial to extinguish candles before bedtime and keep them at least three feet away from combustible materials. Flameless scent alternatives like wax warmers, oil diffusers, and plug-in air fresheners are safer options.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries year-round. It seems that increased indoor cooking during winter requires vigilance. Never leave cooking appliances unattended, keep flammable items away from the stove, and regularly clean your stove and oven to prevent grease buildup.
Electrical issues cause 43% of Christmas tree fires. It’s vital to check for loose bulb connections and frayed wires and avoid overloading outlets. Always turn off Christmas lights when not at home or asleep. LED lights are safer as they consume less energy than regular Christmas lights.
Both natural and artificial Christmas trees can be fire hazards. Real trees should be kept hydrated, and artificial trees should be checked for safety standards. Keep trees away from heat sources and ensure they do not block exits.
Smoking materials are the primary cause of fire-related fatalities in the United States. Avoid smoking indoors, especially during winter, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Ensure all smoking materials are completely extinguished before discarding them, and always keep cigarettes, lighters, and matches out of reach of children.
Electrical appliances like space heaters and dryers can also cause house fires. If placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended, space heaters have the potential to start fires. Additionally, using extension cords not made for the heater’s power level can increase the risk of overheating and electrical hazards. Dryer fires peak in January, often due to lint accumulation. Clean the lint filter after every use and have the dryer vent and ductwork professionally cleaned annually.
In conclusion, awareness and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of house fires in winter. This holiday season, we want you to stay safe and happy! Those who experience fire damage should contact Superior Contract Cleaning. We offer specialized services for fire damage restoration, ensuring a swift return to normalcy.