The Shadow
ROANOKE — Paul Davis Restoration Inc., a national franchise company in property damage for residential and commercial buildings, has tips to help make your holiday safer.
To help avoid holiday fires and protect your family, here are a few of those tips:
Safety Tips
Trees: Water your holiday tree often, ensure there are no faulty lights, and keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters.
Consider a ‘fire resistant’ artificial tree instead.
Holiday Lights: Check for melted or damaged wires/plugs on your holiday light strands and turn all lights off while away from home.
Cooking: Turn pot handles inwards to prevent accidents in the kitchen. Avoid wearing loose clothing which can ignite easily. Don’t store items on the stove.
The leading cause of home structure fires is from cooking and accounts for two out of every five house fires.
Designate the kitchen as a “kid-free zone,” especially during the holidays.
Fireplace: Hanging stockings in front of the fireplace is a common practice, but make sure stockings are hung elsewhere while the fireplace is in use.
Fireplace screens or glass doors are good investments, especially when children are in the house.
Candles: Keep candles out of the reach of children and blow each out before exiting your home.
Electrical candles are great alternatives and give a similar effect.
Fire Escape Plan: Know your escape routes and practice with family members.
Purchase fire extinguishers for every floor of the home and test smoke detectors.
Emergency Preparedness Kit: Keep contact numbers handy for first responders, doctors, and insurance carriers. In case of destruction to your home, contact a licensed, property damage restoration company.
