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PuroClean warns of increased residential fire danger during the holidays.

PuroClean warns of increased residential fire danger during the holidays.

Local restoration expert suggests simple precautions to help prevent holiday-related fires.

 

Northeast Ohio (Grassroots Newswire) 11/22/10 -- Holiday celebrations are often accented with the glow of candles and twinkling holiday lights. Parties and gatherings of friends and family bring multiple rooms of your home into use at one time, and the kitchen in particular is working overtime. Unfortunately, the combination of crowds, flickering candles, overloaded electric circuits, elaborate meals and a festive mood can quickly ignite into a holiday fire.

  

"We know that the number of home fires increases as the holidays grow near," says George Cruz of PuroClean, a leader in property damage restoration . "We see the aftermath of these tragedies, and we know that the best way to avoid having to call on a restoration specialist is to take steps to prevent the fire from starting."

 

Statistics compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration show that holiday fires kill more than 400 people in the U.S. each year and injure another 1,650. Damage from these fires exceeds $990 million.  The culprit in many of these fires is either candles or holiday lights, according to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Thirteen percent of home candle fires in the U.S. occurred in December, which is 1.6 times the monthly average of eight percent. Decorative holiday lights are implicated in an average of 170 home fires each year, representing seven deaths, 17 injuries and $7.9 million of the holiday fire damage total. The numbers are similarly disturbing in Canada, where Fire Prevention Canada declares candles to be one of the major causes of home fires, especially during the winter and Christmas holidays.

 

Cruz wants to help Northeast Ohio homeowners stop fire before it starts this holiday season. These tips can help you keep the holidays bright and safe this year.

 

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 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 laboratory.

·        Do not string more than three strands of 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.

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