COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Family gatherings will be smaller this year and fire damage restoration specialist Aaron Popp of SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun Counties says, “It’s as important to keep safety top of mind with a small family gathering as it is with a large holiday party. We all enjoy bringing the glow of the holiday season to our homes with Christmas trees or menorahs and candlelight, but statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration show how easy it is for home decorating to turn into a home disaster.”
The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve. More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles. A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires. On average, one of every 52 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death.
Popp says it is also important to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for holiday lighting. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 44 percent of home Christmas tree fires.
Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable, check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear and don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, visit www.servpro.com. For more information on SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun Counties, contact Aaron Popp at 517-278-5261 or l_sommerfeld@servproofnorthcalhoun.com.
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