The holidays can be a dangerous time. That’s why it’s so important to practice holiday safety, particularly for all those parties, family gatherings, and other holiday celebrations. House fires can start with candles, cooking accidents, electrical faults, incense, smouldering cigarettes, and children playing with lighters and matches. Electrical appliances and faults are blamed for around 40% of house fires.
Fire Safety Tips for These Holidays
Holiday fire fatalities are higher during this season than the average. You might know things like how a dried-up Christmas tree will burn. But did you know that, by law, you’re required to install working smoke alarms in your home? It’s an essential precaution for fire safety, but it can be overlooked in the rush of getting ready for the holidays.
Fire Up the BBQ Safely
As part of the holiday festivities, you might fire up the BBQ for Christmas lunch. The drinks may flow freely, and fire safety may be the last thing on your mind. No matter how festive your gathering is, be aware of any fire restrictions.
- Service and maintain your barbeque without rust or damage.
- Set up your barbeque on a level surface, away from flammable materials.
- Shelter your barbeque from the wind and weather.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep a garden hose readily available.
Watch your Christmas Lights
Your holiday fire safety tips must include your Christmas lights, tree, and other decorations.
- Make sure your artificial tree is “fire-resistant.”
- Check that your tree is at least 3 feet away from flammable sources.
- Don’t leave your Christmas lights and decorations turned “on” 24/7 or when you leave the house.
- Check your outlets and plugs regularly to ensure you are not overloading your electrical plug or overloading it.
- Inspect your lights to make sure you replace any broken lights.
- Fix any frayed cords or plugs.
- Discard Christmas decorations that are no longer safe or functional.
- Destroy faulty decorations. Don’t just give them away, as they can present safety issues for others.
Prepare for Bushfires
A big part of protecting your home and family from the dangers also involves being aware and prepared for bushfire season. The seasonality of bushfires in Australia can vary depending on where you live, but it’s always best to be prepared.
- Create a 20-metre protection zone around your house.
- Clear away all rubbish (long grass, bark, or other materials).
- Create a firebreak around your property, following local requirements.
- Keep your grass short and maintain all foliage.
- Make sure that your hoses are functional and that they reach every corner of your house.
Prepare and Practice Your Fire Safety Plan
Emergencies are inevitable, but that just means it’s even more critical to prepare and practice your Fire Safety Plan. You should know the quickest way to get out of the house and to a “safe” place no matter where in your home you are; it’s all part of your Fire Safety Plan.
- Plan out the best place to meet in case of emergencies.
- Write up your plan and make sure everyone knows it.
- Prepare for quick exits by removing obstacles or barriers.
- Leave keys in your locks for quick exits.
- Keep low and crawl close to the floor for clean, cool air.
- Never go back into your burning house for any reason, but also wait in a safe place until the firefighters arrive.
Why Are Holiday Fire Safety Tips Important for us?
Holiday fire safety tips are important because awareness is a huge part of the battle. When you take steps to protect yourself and your family, you’re also preventing more severe accidents, injuries, or damage. Here are a few fire safety tips.
- Blow out any candles when you leave the room. Don’t leave them unattended.
- Don’t leave lighters and matches within reach of children, even if you think it’s “harmless.”
Remember, fires and other safety issues can happen in a matter of minutes, and the long-term damage and injury can last much longer. The best way to avoid these safety issues is to avoid or prevent them.
Be Safe This Christmas
Everything from toys and gifts to Christmas decorations, candles, heating, and cooking can all become safety considerations. Besides some of these essential safety tips, keep an eye out for recalls, breakage, and other faults with the toys and other Christmas-related products. Do your research and protect your friends and family.
Holiday fire safety tips include installing and regularly testing your fire safety equipment.
- Install your smoke alarms outside of sleeping areas and in bedrooms where the doors will be closed.
- Check your CO and smoke alarms throughout your home every month.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms every year and completely replace the smoke alarms every ten years.
You don’t want a fire to get out of control. Consider every aspect of your holiday experiences, and don’t shrug off any dangerous implications.
