December is the leading month for U.S. home fires, making it important for homeowners in Fairfield and Westchester Counties to prioritize holiday fire safety. From cold weather to festive activities, the additional cooking, entertaining, and gathering can create fire hazards if homeowners aren’t aware of the proper prevention techniques.
In this article, the experts at Paul Davis of Fairfield & Westchester Counties discuss our fire prevention tips for the holiday season to keep your home and family safe during the most wonderful time of the year.
Kitchen Fire Safety Tips
Christmas fire safety in the kitchen is a must, as homeowners often find themselves cooking for larger parties during the holiday season. That’s why we see a spike in kitchen fires around Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is especially true in Fairfield County homes that have older wiring and tightly built kitchens where stovetop and oven dishes can ignite if you’re distracted. To ensure home fire safety this holiday, we recommend keeping a kitchen-grade, Class B fire extinguisher within reach. If the worst occurs and you experience a grease fire, turn off the heat immediately and smother flames with a lid or baking sheet.
Prevent Lighting and Electrical Fires
The ambient glow from Christmas lights, decorations, and trees set the mood for the holiday season. However, these lights can become a hazard if they aren’t powered safely or if you overload your circuits. To keep your home safe, always check Christmas lights for cracked bulbs and grayed cords before plugging them in. You should also always use outdoor-rated extension cords to avoid damage from Westchester’s rain and snow. Finally, only plug in one high-wattage item per outlet.
Candle and Fireplace Safety
The dry cold in Westchester leads many homeowners to create a cozy winter feel with candles and fires in the fireplace. However, these open flames can lead to house fires. That’s why it’s important to never leave candles or fires unattended. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable and schedule a fireplace inspection before the season begins. A sturdy fireplace screen can also help protect against embers.
What To Do If A Fire Happens
If a fire does strike during the holiday season, evacuate immediately and call 911 for emergency services. Once the fire has been put out, assess the damage and call Paul Davis for fire damage services. We provide prompt service, including smoke damage restoration, to restore your property and get you back into your home quickly.
Paul Davis Is Your Fire Damage Expert in Fairfield and Westchester
At Paul Davis, we’re proud to offer 24/7 emergency service for any disaster. With a highly-trained team that arrives within 30 minutes of your call, you can rest assured that you’re covered in your time of need. We’re the leader in technology and innovation in our field with a national network of more than 300 franchises. Plus, we offer insurance claim assistance to make a stressful time even less of a hassle.
Contact Paul Davis to schedule fire restoration services if you experience a fire this holiday season.
