Fire Hazards To Look Out For At Home And In The Office During The Christmas Period
Around Christmas, the feeling of excitement and joy reaches an all-time high. We are eager to go shopping, decorate the Christmas tree, visit relatives, cuddle in front of the fireplace, and prepare delicious festive dishes. Unfortunately, the abundance of flames and electrical devices may represent increased fire hazards at home and in the office during the festive season.
With that being said, we are going to take a look at some of the potential risks of fire hazards to watch for this holiday season:
Lights- according to safety experts, 40% of Christmas tree fires are caused by faulty lights. Before plugging in your Christmas lights from last year, it is important to check their condition. Some sockets may have missing bulbs. Live wires could poke through the insulation, especially if cords are already frayed or cracked. Other than a potential fire hazard, damaged cords or missing bulbs may potentially cause electric shock. If it’s time to replace old Christmas lights, consider replacing with LED lights. LEDs are much more efficient and with their lower current, the risk of electric shocks and fire is reduced.
Candles- if you have more than a few candles lit up, they can be a significant fire risk. The flame from a candle could set fire to curtain or Christmas decorations. Make sure that candle holders are steady, so they won’t be knocked over easily. Never leave candles unattended, even if it’s only for a few minutes. If you want to fill your home or workplace with a holiday fragrance, it’s much safer to use potpourri or reed diffusers.
Christmas Tree- both artificial and real Christmas trees are fire hazards, if not managed properly. Make sure to place the tree away from the fireplace, outlets, and candles. If you have live Christmas tree, you may need to lower the thermostat slightly, because warmer temperatures can dry up the branches and needles. Give the tree enough water so the leaves are well hydrated, and they won’t catch fire easily. If you choose artificial trees, make sure that they are certified as fire-proof.
Kitchen- when preparing a delicious Christmas dinner, be careful with heat and fire. Avoid putting paper towel or oven gloves near the stove. Don’t rush and focus on your current tasks. It’s better to cook fewer dishes to keep the kitchen less cluttered. Remember to check stoves once you have finished to ensure that they are turned off.
Contact JLH Fire Safety
To learn more about fire hazards to look out for at home and in the office during the Christmas period, contact JLH Fire Safety today and speak with a fire safety expert who can answer any questions you might have.
If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it on your favourite social media sites.
