Holiday Care to Reduce Fire Risk

11/26/2017 (Permalink)

Most Homeowners are aware that holiday decorations should be used with care. Each year, statistics tell the story of fire danger resulting from frayed wires, proximity to heat sources, and left on unattended. But, SERVPRO of Northeast Dallas wants homeowners to know that the danger of fire caused by holiday decorating, and by Christmas trees specifically, actually increase after the holiday. Research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says while four out of five Christmas tree fire happen in December and January, the 10 days with the highest average number of fires were all after Christmas Day.

For many families, preparing for the holiday season is a very busy time. Come December 26, it is tempting to relax and stop watering the tree, replacing bulbs in outdoor lights and tucking indoor garlands back into place. Dry greens, open sockets and decorations that slip dangerously close to light sockets or fireplaces can all increase the risk of fire in the days after the Christmas holiday.

The American Christmas Tree Association quotes Nielsen research that says Americans purchased 21.06 million live Christmas trees in 2011. That number is significant because according to the NFPA, Christmas trees remain the number one culprit in holiday fires. Forty – three percent of Christmas tree fires happen in December, but January is close behind, claiming 39 percent – numbers that demonstrate the danger of allowing Christmas trees to dry out during and after the holiday season.

As the holiday season moves into full swing, SERVPRO of Northeast Dallas reminds homeowners to take common sense precautions based on a clear understanding of the potential danger to help prevent holiday tradition from turning into a holiday nightmare.