2. Flammable Chemicals A fire can easily occur when devices that rely on natural or propane gas are in use in the home. Check these items on a regular basis to ensure they are in good working order and there is no sign of fuel leaking. It only takes one wayward spark making contact with fuel to put you and your loved ones at risk of fire caused by combustion. Flammable chemicals are responsible for a whopping 12,000 residential fires each year. Be safe and keep kerosene and gas in appropriate containers that are tightly sealed and clearly marked. Propane cylinders should be stored outside, in the shade and out of direct sunlight. Keep away from any source of flame including cigarettes. 3. Candles Many of us love the amb ience created by candles, particularly in winter when we might feature them as holiday decorations or to create a warm, cozy atmosphere within the home. Sadly, 8,200 household fires are caused each year by burning candles. A little common sense can prevent a tragedy; all candles come with three mandatory safety warnings: z Burn within sight. z Keep away from flammables. z Keep away f rom children and pets. If you have lit candles burning and begin to feel sleepy, blow them out at once. Be particularly vigilant on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day as these are the three days of the year when candle fires most often occur. 4. Tree Lights and Other Holiday Decorations Christmas tree lights, Hanukkah lights, and other light-up decorations can easily pose a fire hazard especially when placed on or near live trees or holiday plants that are not watered regularly. This leads to dry trees that are susceptible to burning under the heat of hot lights. 160 residential fires occur each year due to Christmas tree incineration.
If you decorate a live tree or plant with lights, stay on top of watering the plant regularly so that it doesn’t dry out. Consider purchasing an artificial tree, and whenever you are using electric decorations, check all wiring for any wear or tear and promptly replace as needed. 5. Smoking One of the most frequent and preventable causes of fire in the home is falling asleep while smoking. Smokers often drift off to sleep while in bed or sitting on couches and chairs that easily catch fire, often leading to fatalities. Never smoke in bed or light a cigarette or cigar when you are tired and prone to falling asleep. Better yet, kick this unhealthy habit or limit it to outdoors and remove the risk of smoking- related fires within the home altogether. Each year, 18,100 fires are attributed to negligent smoking. 6. Children Children are naturally curious, and fire is a common source of fascination for children of various ages. Educate your children early and often on the danger of playing with matches and lighters, emphasizing how quickly a dangerous fire can spread with serious, even fatal consequences. 7. Indoor Fireplaces Stray embers from indoor fireplaces can land on a carpet or rug and start a fire very quickly. Never leave a fireplace unattended and always use a fireplace screen to keep flying embers from escaping.
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