How to Keep Your Home Safe From Fire Damage This Holiday Season | SERVPRO® of Rapid City

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Our team is available to 24/7 when you have a fire emergency. SERVPRO of Rapid City is here to help.

The holidays may feel unusual this year, but despite everything, many Americans are still planning family-style meals and looking forward to stringing lights and garland to brighten up their homes.

As you’re making plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas, don’t let fire safety slip your mind. Even if you’re hosting smaller events, it’s still a good idea to plan them with these tips in mind.

Thanksgiving Fire Safety

According to a leading insurance provider, 47% of all home fires start while cooking.

These tips from the National Fire Protection Association will help you keep your kitchen safer this holiday season and beyond.

Watch your stove and oven. We’re all tempted to let pots simmer and turkeys roast while we chat with guests or catch a game. But these appliances can start fires if they’re not regularly monitored. So don’t leave your dishes unattended for too long. You’ll serve a tastier meal— and be better prepared to prevent issues that can become kitchen fires.

Keep an eye on any burning candles. Lots of people love the warm, pumpkin-scented candles that have recently become synonymous with fall. If you want to light them during your Thanksgiving party (or any other time of the year), place them somewhere young children can’t grab them or knock them over. Be sure you blow them out when you’re not at home, too.

Check your cords and appliances. Your kitchen works overtime to prepare for Thanksgiving. Place appliance cords in places that don’t pose a tripping hazard to children darting into the kitchen or busy cooks. These appliances can start fires if they’re pulled off the counter or malfunction.

Keep Safety in Mind This Christmas

When it’s time to decorate your home, be sure you keep fire safety at the top of mind when you’re stringing lights and putting up your tree. By just being mindful of how you place your decorations and watching your kitchen for possible fire risks, you can go a long way toward protecting your home and family.

Stay vigilant in the kitchen. Many families enjoy a large meal at both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Be sure to keep an eye on dishes you’re simmering on the stove and appliances you have out on the counter.

Keep your Christmas tree away from heat. As a general rule, you’ll want to be sure your tree is several feet away from fireplaces (wood-burning or gas), vents and space heaters.

Turn the lights off when you leave. While twinkling lights make your home look welcoming at night, leaving them on when you’re not home can raise your house fire risk.

We’re Here to Help

Even the most diligent homeowners can sometimes have an accident or an unforeseen circumstance regarding a house fire. If it happens to your home, we’re available any time day or night to help you start repairing the damage and restoring your home.

Our team is available to help ²⁴⁄₇ when you have a fire emergency, so don’t hesitate to call us if you need us.