Don’t Get Burned by a Holiday Fire

‘Tis the season to be jolly. There are packages to wrap, parties to plan, decorations to put up, and a few safety tips to remember. While it’s easy to get swept up in the holiday hoopla, taking precautions now can help avoid a potential holiday fire later.

“There are so many ways a fire can start during this busy time of year, and the last thing anyone wants is to have their holiday ruined by a disaster,” said Bruce Lant, AAA Northway Director of Insurance. “However, there are steps one can take to try and stay safe. They include everything from selecting the right tree to carefully considering what decorations to use.”

Before the decorations go up, AAA Northway recommends testing all the smoke alarms throughout your house. The holiday season is a good reminder to do this safety check, or to buy smoke alarms if you don’t already have them. Here are some tips to consider to so you can help avoid having your holiday cheer turn to holiday tears.

Tips for preventing a holiday fire

Tree safety:

• When choosing a tree, needles should be green and should not fall off easily when touched.
• If you buy an artificial Christmas tree, be sure it is labeled as fire retardant.
• Keep your tree at least three feet from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents, which could dry it out and make it more susceptible to fire.
• Check your tree stand each day to see if it is filled with enough water.

Candle safety:

• Place your Menorah candelabra on a fireplace mantle or in a windowsill away from decorations that could catch fire.
• Remove any tablecloth from the table where you set your Kwanzaa kinara (candleholder) to prevent a fire if the candles are knocked over.

Electric lights safety:

• Only purchase holiday lights and electrical decorations approved by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or another recognized testing laboratory. And never use lights outside that are only designated for indoor use.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights when you aren’t around to monitor them – such as at the end of the evening or if you’re going out.
• Before stringing holiday lights, either on the tree or as outdoor decorations, carefully examine each strand to make sure there are no frayed wires, broken or cracked sockets, or insulation gaps.
• Do not connect more than three strands of lights together. Doing so can overload electrical outlets.

Holiday Cleanup:

• Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace or wood stove. It is very flammable and some types may produce a chemical buildup that could create an explosion.
• Never burn a Christmas tree or its branches or needles in a fireplace or wood stove. The tree’s sap is extremely combustible and could throw sparks.
• Discard your tree when its needles start to drop off.

To find out more about homeowners, condo or renters insurance call your AAA agent or (866) 222-0937 to see what discounts you may be eligible for and what type of coverage you might need.