The holiday season in Roswell is a time for joy, decorations, and gatherings, but it also brings increased risks of fire. With lights twinkling, candles burning, and kitchens bustling, it's essential to take proactive measures to keep your home and family safe.

The holiday season can significantly increase the risk of home fires. From dry Christmas trees to overloaded electrical outlets, understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention.

#1: Christmas Tree Safety
Keep Trees Hydrated - Dry trees are a serious fire hazard. If you have a live tree, water it daily to keep it hydrated and less likely to catch fire.
Use LED Lights. LED lights are cooler than traditional bulbs, reducing the risk of them heating up and igniting the tree.
Place Trees Wisely - Set up your tree away from heat sources like heating vents and radiators.

#2: Safe Holiday Lighting
Inspect Lights - Check all light strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs before decorating. Discard any damaged strings to avoid electrical fires.
Turn Off Lights - Always turn off holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Use Outdoor-Rated Extensions - For exterior decorations, make sure that extension cords and lights are rated for outdoor use and are plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

#3: Candle Care
Never Leave Candles Unattended - Before leaving a room or going to sleep, always extinguish candles. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative.
Keep Away from Flammables - Place candles on stable surfaces and away from flammable materials like curtains, decorations, and holiday cards.

#4: Cooking Fire Prevention
Stay in the Kitchen - Unattended cooking is a leading cause of holiday fires. Stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when using the stove or oven.
Keep Flammables Away - Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from your stovetop.
Equip Smoke Alarms - Make sure that smoke alarms are installed and working on every level of your home, especially near the kitchen.

#5: Safe Heating Practices
Maintain Heating Equipment - Inspect your heating system and have it serviced by a professional to ensure it's safe and efficient.
Use Space Heaters Wisely - Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, and remember to turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Additional Tips for Emergency Preparedness

Have a fire escape plan that includes two exits from every room and a meeting place outside. Practice this plan with all family members. Also, keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including the local fire department, readily available.

Remember, prevention is key to enjoying a safe holiday season. However, accidents can happen, and if you experience fire damage, ServiceMaster Roswell is here to help with professional fire damage restoration services in Roswell, GA.

Our expert team at ServiceMaster Roswell is equipped to handle all aspects of fire damage so your home is restored quickly and efficiently. Call us at (770) 200-5111 for immediate assistance, or schedule an appointment online. Let us help you restore your peace of mind and your home this holiday season.