Most Common Causes of House Fires in Fall & Winter
October is Fire Safety Month, but there’s no time limit for something as important as fire safety! The first step to proper fire prevention is to know what could potentially cause a fire in the first place. With that in mind, here are some of the most common causes of house fires during the heating season.
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Cooking
The holiday season is known for a lot of cooking and baking. From turkey dinners to Christmas cookies, the increase in the amount of time spent in the kitchen also increases the risk of a house fire. Never leave your stove or oven unattended, and be sure to keep all paper and flammable products away from sources of heat. -
Candles
Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like scented candles decorating the home, but if they’re left unattended or burning overnight the chance of a house fire significantly increases. Be sure to extinguish every candle before heading off to bed! -
Electrical Lighting
Many homeowners go all out when it comes to decorating their homes for the holidays, and that means strings and strings of lights adorning their rooftops, walkways, doors, windows and everything in between. This heavy use of energy can generate a lot of heat, resulting in a higher risk of a house fire. Use LED lights instead of standard bulbs, they use less energy and give off less heat! -
Christmas Trees
Whether you prefer an artificial tree or a real tree for Christmas, inappropriate placement or care can result in a fire hazard. Keep real trees watered, as a dry tree is more flammable, and ensure that your tree isn’t too close to open flames (such as candles) or other heat sources.
Being vigilant and aware is all it takes to protect your family from house fires, so be sure to take extra care around the holidays! Call or contact us to ensure your home heating system is operating safely for the heating season.
