The Christmas season is a time for celebrating with family, not for running the risk of a house fire. Keep reading this post by Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services in Polk County to learn a few essential Christmas fire safety tips.

Like every year, it's the time to get our homes ready to celebrate Christmas! From taking the ornaments out of their closet storage to setting up the tree and hanging the lights. Of course, this season is magical, yet we shouldn't forget that holiday decorating is associated with home fires. According to The National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 8,350 home fires that started with holiday decorations, primarily due to candles. Thus, taking the necessary precautions to enjoy a safe holiday season is imperative. If you are interested in this topic, keep reading the Christmas fire safety tips below.

Call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 if your home requires the best cleaning and restoration services in Polk County. They offer 24/7 services, so rest assured they will be available and willing to assist you at any time.

Christmas Fire Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Christmas Candles

According to the NFPA, Christmas candles are responsible for more than one-third of fires caused by home decor. Thus, practice candle safety to allow a festive atmosphere in your home without risks. To do so, follow the recommendations listed below:

• When lighting your holiday candles, keep an eye on them and don't leave them unattended.
• Place your candles away from flammable objects, like curtains, papers, or tablecloths.
• Place your candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface to avoid them from falling over.
• Keep your candles out of the reach of curious children and pets.
• Remember to blow your candles out before going to bed or when leaving a room empty.

If a fire has damaged your property and threatened your safety, rest assured that our team will work promptly to get your home back to its pre-damage condition. For more information about the best cleaning and restoration services in Polk County, call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499.

Christmas Tree

For many, decorating the Christmas tree with colorful and shiny ornaments is the best holiday activity. And it's no wonder, as it's a time when families can gather and have fun during this festive time of year. Even if trees are the holiday season's main hallmark, they can lead to a fire if left unattended. In that sense, you must know that Christmas tree fires are not as common, yet they are the fastest in spreading. Therefore, you must take the necessary measures to prevent accidents. Here are some tips for choosing, installing, and keeping your Christmas tree safe:

• Natural trees pose less fire risk because they have a higher humidity level. That said, opt for a tree that is as fresh as possible.
• If you go for an artificial tree, get one made of fire-retardant and CSA-approved materials.
• Your Christmas tree should be at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, lamps, heaters, and other heat sources.
• If you plan to use a natural tree, be sure to keep it hydrated. You can do this by cutting at least 2" off the base of the trunk to expose the fresh wood before installing it. Once the tree is placed in the stand, add water to the base daily to keep it from drying out.

Christmas Lights

Christmas lights also play a pivotal role in transforming your home into a festive and joyful space for your entire family. Nonetheless, lights could cause problems if they are not distributed and installed correctly. That said, follow the tips below to light up every corner of your home safely:

• If you plan to install holiday lights on your home's exterior, make sure your set is designed to work effectively outdoors.
• Avoid overloading outlets by plugging in too many strings of lights.
• Check your lights before putting them up. If you notice loose bulbs or damaged or frayed wires, replace the light string with a new one.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions to check the number of strings of lights you can safely connect.
• Avoid using nails to hang your lights; instead, use clips. Doing this will help keep the wires intact.
• Turn off your holiday lights whenever you go to bed or leave the house.

We hope our Christmas fire safety tips help you enjoy a happy and hazard-free holiday season! If the aftermath of your holiday celebrations calls for the best cleaning and restoration services in Polk County, call Archer Cleaning & Restoration Services at 888-436-3499 for a free estimate.