Lights, Candles, Action!

12/16/2013 (Permalink)

Seasonal traditions cause an average of 230 home fires each year.

The holidays bring with them brightly lighted decorations, elaborate meals and large gatherings are all part of traditional holiday celebrations. Unfortunately, these seasonal traditions also cause an average of 230 home fires each year, with an average of 4 deaths, 21 injuries and $17.3 million in property damage.

There are almost twice as many on Christmas Day as there are on non-holidays. Homeowners can help keep their homes and their families safe during the holiday season by understanding the dangers and taking some simple, commonsense precautions in the kitchen.  Here are a few facts to consider:

Holiday Cooking Fire Facts

·         Thanksgiving Day has three times the average number of reported home structure fires involving cooking equipment.

·         The two other peak days for cooking-related fires are Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

·      Supervise items on the stovetop. Fifty-eight percent of kitchen fires involve ranges; homes with electric cooktops have a higher risk of fire than homes with gas cooktops.

·      Keep flammable items – potholders, packaging, wrapping, wooden utensils, loose clothing – away from the stovetop.

·      Don’t let lack of sleep or alcohol consumption affect your ability to concentrate on preparing the meal.

We hope these tips will be a reminder to families in North Charleston and surrounding Charleston communities to make fire prevention a priority in preparing for the holidays.   The aftermath and clean up after a house fire would certainly be an unwanted interruption to time celebrating with family and friends!   

For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, contact SERVPRO^® of Greater Northern Charleston at (843) 747-8750, 24/7.