Date: Dec. 14th, 2016
House fires
are almost always avoidable. It only takes one mistake to destroy a family, and
with Christmas around the corner, the chances of a house fire are generally
much higher than usual. This is because the most common causes of house fires
are typically done around this time of year. And so we begin our list:
1) Heating
Systems – During the cold winter many people turn to their heater to keep them
warm. While this is generally safer than using a fire place, it can be very
dangerous to use a heater without getting it inspected every year. This is
because when the heating system sits for an extended period of time then parts
can malfunction (just like a car), and this can be catastrophic.
2) Electrical
Issues – Wiring in a house is very complex and it is easier than you may think
for something to go wrong. As you may know, an open wire can easily spark a
fire. What makes this issue even worse is that wiring inside your walls and
attic are out of sight and a fire can grow quickly before you even know it is
there.
3) Candles –
During the holidays many people enjoy candlelight and this is understandable.
If properly managed, candles are a great alternative to lighting. If left
unattended, candles can become a nightmare. Just because a candle is in a
candle holder or off of any wooden surface does not mean that it is safe to
leave. There are many things that could happen such as a pet knocking it down,
a tossed object knocking it over, etc
4) Cooking –
The holidays are particularly great because you get to have an excuse to eat
like a king (among other things), but one must always be responsible when
cooking. The danger with cooking during the winter is that many people cook
meals that take a long time, and they leave their work unattended. This can be
terrible because anything could happen, an electrical, grease, or gas fire. If
you don’t know what type of fire it is then you could easily do the wrong thing
and make the fire worse.
5) Christmas
Trees – That’s right, Christmas trees are one of the most common causes of
house fires. It makes complete sense too, when you think about it. Taking a
dried out tree and covering it in electrical wires that are left running all day
and night is just a catastrophe waiting to happen. This is why many people opt
for artificial trees or don’t leave the Christmas lights on unless they are
near the tree.
Hopefully this made you aware of the potential risks for fire
sitting around your home. We don’t wish to scare you, only to help you protect
your family and home. Stay up to date on your fire inspections and keep several
fire extinguishers in your home so that if there is a fire, you are prepared. A
to Z Fire is a fire safety company in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg FL area.
No comments:
Post a Comment