Preparing elaborate meals and hosting large gatherings can be major distractions, so it’s easy for a fire mishap to happen during the holiday season. A cousin’s casserole could become an unexpected flambé, or a child on a sugar high may throw a blanket too close to the Yule log. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) finds that the average number of reported residential fires were more than double during the holidays. To keep your celebrations flame-free, here are some common festive risks to avoid and tips for recovering from one.
Holiday mishaps that may send you running for the hose
According to the USFA, these are the most common causes of holiday fires. We’ve also provided some tips to help you manage your risk and enjoy the spirit of the season without unwanted sparks.
Holiday decorations too close to a heat source.
Lit candles can be knocked over: Give a candle 12 inches of space and a stable base. Battery-operated, flameless candles can be a great alternative.
Faulty lights can get too hot: Inspect holiday lights and toss any with exposed, pinched or frayed wires.
A tree can become firewood: Make sure you put it three feet or more from a heat vent, radiator, fireplace, space heater or candle. If you have a live tree, water it daily.
Cooking while distracted
A forgotten dish can go up in flames: Regularly check anything in the oven. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short while, turn off the stove.
Kitchen tools can catch fire: Keep dish towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils and food packaging away from direct heat sources, like top burners.
Sleepy or inebriated cooking can mean mistakes: If you are unable to react quickly, it may be better to find another cook.
|
Important: Don’t use water on a grease fire. Smother it instead with the top to the cooking pan or by using a fire extinguisher. Consider stocking one in high risk areas like the kitchen or by the fireplace. |
Heating elements used incorrectly
Ignoring manufacturer directions is dangerous: Use the recommended fuel for the tool. Don’t use the oven to heat the house.
Cozy heat sources can burn: Keep children, pets and flammable objects at least three feet away from a cozy heat source, like a space heater or a fireplace. Turn off or extinguish any heat source before going to bed.
Yule logs can spark: Use a fireplace screen, let any ashes cool before removing them and have your fireplace and chimney inspected annually.
If you find yourself dousing unwanted flames, don’t panic
Even the most diligent chef and cautious party planner may overlook a fire hazard. If sparks do start to fly, the following steps can help you manage the disaster.
1. Call 911: Give first aid and transport people or animals to professional medical or vetinerary help.
2. Connect with friends and family: Let loved ones know you’re safe and tell them about what happened.
3. If you have exited, don’t reenter the property: The fire department needs to ensure that the building is structurally safe to enter and that the utilities are safe to use.
4. Contact a local disaster relief organization: Reach out to an organization such as the Red Cross if you need clothing, food, medicines or temporary housing.
5. Call your insurance agent: Get instructions on how to best protect and take inventory of your property. Ask for the contact information of fire damage restoration companies. Insurance rates tend to go up 27% on average after a fire, so you may need to start shopping around for new coverage once things settle down.
6. Save all receipts: For insurance and tax purposes, save the receipts for anything you spend because of the fire, including any hotel and food bills.
7. Notify the mortgage company: Inform your mortgage lender of the fire and the level of property damage.
8. Get a fire report and conduct an inventory: Don’t throw anything away until you document it for insurance purposes.
9. Reach out to fire damage restoration companies: These businesses specialize in fixing fire damage. Make sure your insurance will accept the company you choose.
