The Christmas and holiday season is filled with fun and family, but don’t forget to pay attention to some basic safety tips along the way.
Bill Biondi, Commissioner of the Mastic Beach Fire Department, said “Indoor and outdoor lights, decorated trees, greenery on the mantle, lots of extra things plugged in with family visits, and candles being lit all add to the festivities of the season and can also present a risk of a devastating fire in your home. You can do some simple things to keep your home safe.”
U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 835 home structure fires yearly that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five (41%) home Christmas tree fires.
Nearly 20% of Christmas tree fires are started by lamps or bulbs. Candles started eleven percent while 40% of home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.
Candle fires peak in December and January and home-cooking fires during Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are second only to Thanksgiving. Year-round, one-third of home decoration fires were started by candles. This jumped to almost half in December.
This flyer from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends some basic tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe during the holidays.
Credit: National Fire Protection Association