New Years Fire Safety

It's that time of year again! Time to charge up the fire extinguishers, check the smoke alarms and get your sprinkler systems inspected. Oh, and how could we forget the presents and Christmas and New Years and, turkey and travel and everything else that comes with the holiday season. With so much going on every year between November and January safety can easily fall to the wayside. This is your reminder to focus on safety this holiday season and a few tips on how you can ensure that your home and business are safe and prepared in the event of a fire.

Smoke alarms - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that you change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year. Daylight Savings Time or New Year's Day can be a good reminder to do so. Monthly testing should also be done to ensure that your smoke alarms are in good working order. According to the NFPA, working smoke detectors can cut the risk of death from a fire in half.

Kitchen safety - While the number of kitchen fires has decreased year over year, data from the NFPA states that over 50% of home fires are still the result of kitchen fires. Of those kitchen fires, over 50% were the result of cooking oils, fats and grease fires. However, the leading cause of cooking fires and cooking fire casualties was from unattended cooking. So, whether you are planning on cooking turkey, ham or any other family favorites this holiday season, be sure that your kitchen is free of grease and that your dish is always attended from start to finish.

Fire extinguishers - Don't forget to get your fire extinguishers tagged and inspected before you need them. Make sure your extinguishers are easily accessible, not blocked behind objects or locked behind doors. Additionally, you should plan to have an extinguisher close to any areas that you anticipate an open flame source. Verify that the tamper seal is up to date and that it is not broken. If the tamper seal is missing, there is a good chance that the extinguisher has been discharged. Check the physical condition of the extinguisher, check the pressure gauge for damage and check that the needle is in the green zone. If the needle is in the red or white, it will likely need to be recharged.

Inspections - The end of the year and the start of the new year can be a great time to have your yearly fire protection systems inspected. Not only does it make it easy to remember when your inspection is due, but it is also a great idea to ensure fire protection systems are in working order before fire risks are at their highest. Holidays have the highest fire risk due to the increase of fireworks, kitchen fires, electrical hazards, extreme weather and clumsy in-laws visiting your home or business.

Firework safety - Always light fireworks one at a time and ensure the area you are lighting them in is clear or debris and flammable materials that could be ignited from a spark. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire are a good combination, but alcohol and fire don't mix. Not only should flammable liquids be kept clear of any possible ignition sources, but anyone who has been drinking should not be in charge of the fireworks or fire safety.

Have a fire safety first mindset - EMS services receive their highest call volume during holidays and may have a longer than usual response time in the event of a fire or emergency. Be prepared and have a plan for what to do when and if a fire were to occur. Keep flammable liquids and sources of ignition away from each other and any fireworks, cooking areas or spaces where you plan to have an open flame.

For more information about fire safety tips during the holidays or for a quote on any of our services please feel free to contact us below. We hope you have a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas.