The holidays are a festive time best spent with family and friends. But the use of various heating methods and the abundance of holiday décor often pose fire risks. Ensure that your warm and cozy home is safe from fires this season with the following suggestions from Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz.

With the arrival of the holiday season and cold winter weather, many homeowners turn their focus to maintaining a warm, festive and comfortable home. But for individuals to safely heat and decorate their home, certain fire prevention methods should be employed.

Fireplaces

Homeowners with fireplaces have the luxury of using fire as the primary heat source. But without proper maintenance, fireplaces can be dangerous. Individuals who have a wood-burning fireplace in their home should be knowledgeable about fireplace cleaning practices.

Ashes should be disposed of often. Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace on a yearly basis and be sure that flammable materials and décor are kept away from the fireplace. When the fire is burning, use a mesh screen or metal curtain to keep embers from escaping the hearth. Further protect your home from fire by exclusively decorating rooms with fire-resistant materials.

Avoid the build-up of creosote—a combination of chemicals that can cause chimney fires. If your fireplace has glass doors, they should be left open while a fire is burning so that the fire is provided enough oxygen. Conversely, keep these doors closed while the fireplace is not in use. Finally, Install a flue thermometer to help monitor the chimney’s temperature.

Smoke Detectors

Ensure that your home has working smoke detectors. Routinely check and replace batteries to ensure that the devices work properly. If your smoke detectors are older than five years in age, you may want to consider replacing them.

Heaters

Individuals who do not have fireplaces in their homes often turn to supplemental heat sources during the winter. Electric and kerosene heaters are commonly used, but can pose fire risks if individuals are not cautious. Space heaters should be positioned at least three feet from other objects and walls. Employ an extension cord if necessary.

Kerosene heaters are thought by many to be safer than electrical space heaters, but are not legal in certain places. Check with your local fire department prior to purchasing and employing the use of a kerosene heater.

Electrical Decorations

With the holiday season comes holiday decorations, many of which are powered by electricity. Individuals must ensure, however, that they have a plan for the safe maintenance of their electrical decorations. If you are decorating your home with holiday lights, be careful not to overload outlets, and to always use surge protectors to reduce the risk of power surges that can cause electrical fires. Lastly, always unplug your decorations when you leave the house.

By keeping the above fire safety concerns in mind, you will ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your entire family.

For more information on maintaining fire safety in your home, contact the law offices of Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz today.