By Jerry Rivera
The holiday season is a time that should be filled with joy. This is a time when family and friends give many thanks.
However, these times are often interrupted by news of house fires that occur during the season. This is particularly sad because fires often destroy homes, memorial artifacts and cause significant financial hardship. It is even more frustrating to know that many of these fires can be prevented.
The holidays can be both fun and safe if we practice some simple safety concepts both at home and at the office. Here are some common causes and safe work practices to be observed to make your holiday season safe and memorable:
- Remember not to leave the stove or kitchen unattended.
- This is a good time of the year to re-check smoke alarm batteries and inspect kitchen fire extinguishers, both at home and in your office.
- Christmas tree fires often result in severe property damage and fatalities. Some preventive measures to observe are to place trees away from heating sources, water the tree daily and remove trees that dry out. Be mindful and turn off lights when not home or when leaving the office.
- Decoration fires are possible when lighting decorations or decorations in general are placed too close to electrical lines. This can be prevented by maintaining proper clearance from electrical lines; minimum distance should be ten feet from source.
- Overloaded electrical circuits can also lead to fires in homes and office buildings. Make sure that you don’t overload circuits. Instead, consider having a qualified electrician install additional circuits.
- Decorative lighting can also lead to fall from elevations. To prevent falls from elevation make sure that ladders are placed on level surfaces and make sure three points of contact is practiced when climbing. If possible, avoid using aluminum ladders outside of the home.
By following these safe practices you can secure a safe and joyful holiday season for you, your family, friends and coworkers.
