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Local Restoration Pro Offers Tips To Prevent Holiday-Related Fires

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Local Restoration Pro Offers Tips To Prevent Holiday-Related Fires

Holiday celebrations are often accented with the glow of candles and twinkling holiday lights. Parties and gatherings of friends and family bring multiple rooms of your home into use at one time, and the kitchen in particular is working overtime.

Unfortunately, the combination of crowds, flickering candles, overloaded electric circuits, elaborate meals, and a festive mood can quickly ignite into a holiday fire.

“We know that the number of home fires increases as the holidays grow near,” said David Dear of Sandy Hook-based PuroClean Property Damage Specialists. “We see the aftermath of these tragedies, and we know that the best way to avoid having to call on a restoration specialist is to take steps to prevent the fire from starting.”

Statistics compiled by the US Fire Administration show that holiday fires kill more than 400 people across the nation each year and injure another 1,650. Damage from these fires exceeds $990 million, and the culprit in many of these fires is either candles or holiday lights, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Thirteen percent of home candle fires in the United States occurred in December, which is 1.6 times the monthly average of eight percent. Decorative holiday lights are implicated in an average of 170 home fires each year, representing seven deaths, 17 injuries, and $7.9 million of the holiday fire damage total.

The numbers are similarly disturbing in Canada, where Fire Prevention Canada declares candles to be one of the major causes of home fires, especially during the winter and Christmas holidays.

Mr Dear wants to help Sandy Hook homeowners stop fires before they start this holiday season. These tips can help keep the holidays bright and safe this year.

Live Tree Safety

*Select a fresh tree, with needles that cling tightly to the branches. To check for freshness, thump the tree trunk firmly on the ground. If needles rain down, pick another tree.

*Keep your tree watered throughout the holiday season. If the tree dries out, discard it.

*Do not place your tree near sources of ignition, like fireplaces and heaters.

Holiday Light Safety

*Inspect lights every year for frayed wires, bare spots and damaged sockets. Do not run wires under rugs or carpets that might hide damage. Use lights that have been certified by an accredited testing laboratory.

*Do not string more than three strands of lights together, unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe to do so.

*Always turn off your holiday and tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

Candle Safety

*Select sturdy, nonflammable candle holders that cannot easily be knocked or tipped over and place them on nonflammable surfaces, away from flammable items such as decorations, curtains, and Christmas trees.

*Extinguish taper candles when two inches of wax remains; snuff out container candles when wax burns down to a half-inch.

*Do not leave candles burning in an empty room, when you leave your home, or when you go to bed.

“If a fire should break out, a properly installed and functioning smoke detector may save your life and the lives of your family,” Mr Dear stated. “Install approved smoke alarms on every level of your home, and keep them equipped with fresh batteries. Make sure that you have an up-to-date emergency exit plan, and practice it with your family regularly.”

Mr Dear said he is on call 24 hours a day to offer his services, even on holidays.

“It’s important to call a restoration professional as soon as possible after the fire,” said Mr Dear. “We can help you minimize claims for property and possessions by responding immediately to fire and smoke damage.”

For more information about PuroClean Property Damage Specialists, contact Mr Dear at 203-616-9988.

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