Cold winter weather and the holiday season can give rise to several possible fire hazards in your home. Taking extra steps to heat your home, putting out certain types of decorations, and using candles are among the most common causes of household fires during the winter months.
Being aware of potential fire hazards in your home and being conscientious about preventing them can help you avoid serious injury or property damage. Here is a look at two common sources of danger and what you can do to proactively stop a fire from starting.
Do not leave your Christmas tree lights on continuously
Most of the strings of lights that people use to decorate their Christmas trees generate some level of heat. While your lights may not burn you to the touch, you may notice that they feel somewhat warm. When you do not turn your lights off over an extended period of time, they may become increasingly hotter. As a result, your lights could cause your Christmas tree to catch on fire. Be sure to turn your lights off before you go to bed every night.
Use space heaters cautiously
Space heaters are a very common cause of fire in the wintertime, and you should not leave them on in an unattended area. Ideally, you should use a model with a timer feature so you will not have to worry about remembering to turn it off. When you’re shopping for a space heater, look for one that shuts itself off if something tips it over.