Tis’ the season to be merry and gather to celebrate the ones we love. While we’re enjoying great food, friends and family; and letting our creative sides loose on decorating the house from top to bottom with sparkly decorations - it’s important to remember to take all the necessary precautions to see the festive season though safely. Here are some home safety tips for the holiday season:
A Christmas tradition in any family is the all-important ‘turning on of the lights’. It indicated the official start of the festivities. Whether you’re a tree only family or your house rivals the North Pole, unravelling of the Christmas light knots has become a tradition. We strategically place them around the tree in all the right places to showcase the decorations representing a family history of Christmas’ past. And then we flick the switch and it begins.
Santa clause isn’t the only person who these ‘Christmas lights’ keep busy during the silly season. This tradition is actually one of the top reasons house fires start during December keeping our fire-fighters in their toes as well. Of all Christmas decorations can also be one of the most dangerous. Here are some tips to make help keep your lights safe this season:
You can’t beat the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and picking the perfect tree is essential. Something to add to your list when choosing a tree is to make sure the tree has intact needles (not dry ones). This will make your tree less likely to catch fire. According to the Department of Fire & Emergency Services in Western Australia, a fire can engulf a room in 4 minutes - a dry Christmas tree would not only fuel, but also speed up the time it takes for a fire to destroy a room.
Christmas is one of the most popular times of the year for candles so we need to be on the look out for any dangers, especially with Australia’s hot weather at this time of the year.
Whether you’re a baked turkey or a prawn on the barbie person, there are steps you can take to make sure the biggest problem you’ll have this holiday season, is when to take your afternoon food nap.
Finally check your smoke detectors and fire alarms to make sure they’re working. If required, add batteries to you shopping list and not just for the toys. If you have any queries about smoke alarms or their installation, please contact your local fire station.
Sources:
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/electricity/homeowners-and-consumers/use-safe-christmas-lights
https://www.safewise.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-christmas-lights/
https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9015
https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9200
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-siciliano/10-christmas-tree-safety-tips_b_4466908.html
https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/fire-in-the-home
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