Top 4 Holiday Fire Hazards and How to Avoid Them

Nearly 156,000 fires occur during the winter holidays season, causing 630 deaths, 2,600 injuries, and approximately $936 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Here are the four main holiday fire hazards, and how to avoid them:

1. Fireplaces
   
   • Properly dispose of fireplace ashes. Allow them to cool for 12 -24 hours, place them in a metal bucket, and then move the bucket outside until there are no more hot spots. 
   • Get your chimney inspected and cleaned before the holidays. 
   • Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they're working well.
     
     
   
   
   
2. Candles
   
   • Never leave candles unattended or place them in high-traffic areas.
   • Leave a two-foot circle of safety around them. Don't light them close to trees or decorations.
     
     
   
   
   
3. Holiday lighting
   
   • Don't overload extension cords or use indoor extension cords outside.
   • Don't run extension cords under rugs, as they can fray or be pinched by heavy furniture.
   • Plug outdoor lights into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electric shocks.
   • Inspect all lights and cords before using them; replace old lights every few years.
   • Turn off lights when you're away from home and before going to sleep.
     
     
   
   
   
4. Space heaters
   
   • Never leave space heaters unattended or near anything flammable.
   • Check the circuit you plan to use, to make sure it can handle the added demand of a space heater.
   • Don't remove the third-prong grounding feature - and always plug them into GFCIs for added safety.