PuroClean’s Holiday Fire Safety Tips

PuroClean’s fire damage restoration experts want to help homeowners stop house fires before they start this holiday season. These tips can help you keep the holidays bright and safe this year. Share these holiday fire safety tips with family and friends!

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.
• Don't place your tree near sources of ignition, like fireplaces and heaters.
 Holiday Light Safety
• Inspect holiday lights every year for frayed wires, bare spots and damaged sockets. Don't run wires under rugs or carpets that might hide damage. Use lights that have been certified by an accredited testing labouratory.
• Don't string more than three strands of holiday 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, non-flammable candle holders that cannot easily be knocked or tipped over and place them on non-flammable 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 1/2 inch.
• Do not leave candles burning in an empty room, when you leave your home or when you go to bed.
 "If a house fire should break out, a properly installed and functioning smoke detector may save your life and the lives of your family," states, Steve Leger, Executive Vice President of Operations for PuroClean. "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."