Fire Safety Tips for Before and After Winter

You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting your home and loved ones from danger. Fire prevention is an important responsibility of renting or homeownership. Particularly during the holidays and colder times of the year, being prepared and brushing up on fire safety tips are a necessity to help ensure your safety.

Everyday Fire Safety Tips

• Keep your exits clear of decorations and any clutter to help keep escape routes fully accessible.
• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (each month) to ensure they are working.
• Keep all items at least three feet away from radiators, baseboard heaters, and space heaters.
• Avoid placing space heaters next to beds or other pieces of furniture. Blankets and other materials could ignite. Place space heaters where people will not trip over them or get burned.

Candles

Consider using flameless or battery-powered candles. Some look and smell like real candles. If you do use traditional candles:

• Do not use on artificial or natural trees.
• Use sturdy candle holders and trim wicks to a ¼ inch.
• Put candles on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces and at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Never leave children alone in any room with a lit candle, and keep matches and lighters out of reach.
• Never burn candles all the way down. Extinguish candles and unplug decorative lighting when leaving the house or going to bed.

Fireplace and Wood Burning Stoves

• Once a year, have a reputable contractor inspect your fireplace.
• Regularly check your stove or fireplace for any cracks.
• Always place a screen in front of your fireplace.
• After the holidays, do not try to burn your Christmas tree, wreaths, or leftover wrapping paper in a fireplace or stove.

Generators

Generators can be very handy during times of storms or natural disasters. However, used improperly, they can also lead to injury. Some guidelines and precautions:

• Read the manufacturer’s safety and operating manual before using your generator.
• Never use indoors – carbon monoxide from the engine exhaust can be extremely harmful.
• Always turn off your generator when you leave your home.
• Check your generator regularly during operation.
• During operation, avoid touching your generator as some areas become very hot.

Packing & Storage

• Inspect and discard damaged decorations.
• Assemble, disassemble, pack and store all decorations according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep packed decorations in a dry location away from heat sources, children and pets.
• Store and stack boxes in a stable location, never higher than eye level.

For more fire safety tips, check out our helpful posts on Holiday Prep and Holiday Lighting Safety!

At ALE Solutions, we understand that sometimes homes and lives are devastated by fire. ALE works with insurance adjusters and their policyholders to ensure the needs of both parties get met in a timely and effective manner. For more information, please visit alesolutions.com