WELCOME WINTER!
10 TIPS ON STAYING SAFE FROM FIRES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND IN THE WINTER MONTHS
"In winter we behold the charms of solemn majesty and naked grandeur."
... James Ellis
Today is officially the first day of Winter. The holiday season and winter months offer opportunities that can and (too often) do cause house fires. Many of these fires can be avoided or totally prevented. Some simple precautions, preventive inspections, and advance planning can help prevent home fires, saving both property and lives should disaster strike. Follow these 10 tips and enjoy the holidays and upcoming winter without worry!
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Electric devices/wiring: check lamps, appliances, and electronics for frayed cords, loose or broken plugs, and exposed wiring. Never run electrical wires or extension cords under carpets or rugs as this can create a fire hazard.
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Fireplaces: professionally check and clean your fireplace to prevent the dangerous buildup of creosote, which can cause a flash fire in the chimney. Cracks in masonry chimneys should be repaired, and spark arresters inspected to ensure they are in good condition and free of debris. And don't ever dispose of fireplace ashes while they are still hot in a trash container in or near your home or use your fireplace as an incinerator. Meantime, use only seasoned wood if you have a wood burning fireplace.
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Space heaters: should be kept away from beds, bedding, curtains, papers; in other words, from anything flammable. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Space heaters should never be left unattended or where a child or pet could knock them over.
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Smoke detectors: should be equipped with fresh batteries unless hard-wired to your home's electrical system. Smoke detectors should be installed high on walls or on ceilings on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside every sleeping area. Statistics show that nearly 60% of home fire fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
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Matches, lighters, or candles: don't allow children to play with these and keep children (and pets) away from all flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, or propane, all of which should always be stored outside of and away from the house.
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Kitchen fires: know no season. Grease spills, items left unattended on the stove or in the oven, and food left in toasters or toaster ovens can catch fire quickly. Don't wear loose fitting clothing, especially with long sleeves, around the stove. Handles of pots and pans should be turned away from the front of the stove to prevent accidental contact. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach. Consider getting an extinguisher specifically formulated for grease and cooking fuel fires to supplement an all-purpose extinguisher.
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Have an escape plan: this is one of the most important things you can do to prevent death in a fire. https://www.ready.gov/ has detailed information on how to put together such a plan. Local fire departments can also provide recommendations on escape planning and preparedness. Every family members should know how to dial 911 in case of a fire or other emergency.
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Live Christmas trees: should be kept in a water-filled stand and checked daily for dehydration. Needles should not easily break off a freshly-cut tree. Brown needles or lots of fallen needles indicate a dangerously dried-out tree which should be discarded immediately. Always use nonflammable decorations in the home, and never use lights on a dried-out tree.
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Candles: should always be placed in stable holders and away from curtains, drafts, pets, and children. Never leave candles unattended, even for a short time. These days you can buy battery operated candles that flicker and look just like real candles.
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Hol
iday lights: should be checked for fraying or broken wires and plugs. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when joining two or more strands together, as a fire hazard could result from overload. Enjoy indoor holiday lighting only while someone is home, and turn them off before going to bed at night.
These holiday and winter fire safety tips are provided by Nina Hollander and Carolinas Realty Partners with Coldwell Banker Realty, Greater Charlotte area residential real estate experts. We've been helping Charlotte area home owners sell their homes and cash in on their equity for 22+ years.
Thinking about buying or selling a Greater Charlotte area home this winter? Check out our Winter 2023 Home Buyer & Home Seller Guides.
WINTER HOME BUYER GUIDE WINTER HOME SELLER GUIDE
If you're considering purchasing or selling a home in the Charlotte metro area this winter, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, exceed your expectations, and to who you why experience matters and how:
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Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice. For legal advice see an attorney. For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.
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