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Best Home Improvement Tip: Avoid a Fire in Your Home this Holiday Season - 2007-11-24 |
This is the week many Americans decide to buy a Christmas tree, and make the effort to pull out all the old strings of lights and put up the worn out decorations and plug forty-seven strings of bubble lights into the single electric outlet under the picture window.
I don't know if this advice is directly related to real estate or not, but I am going to give it anyway: please be safe this holiday season.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year hospital emergency rooms treat more than 8,000 people for injuries such as falls, cuts, and shocks related to holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in more than 400 fires annually, resulting in personal tragedies and injuries, and an average of more than $17 million in property loss and damage.
Let's review these fire safety ideas:
* Begin by testing your smoke detectors. There should be at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, and the batteries should be replaced at least once a year. Then the detectors should be tested at least on a monthly basis for proper operation. Remember that new smoke detectors cost less than ten dollars each, and they can save the life of a loved one.
* Clean your oven, stove, and exhaust hood before your holiday cooking begins. Grease build-up can contribute to a kitchen fire, and should be dealt with before the opportunity for danger arises. And keep a fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink.
* Never leave cooking food unattended. If you are faced with a grease fire, remember - put a lid on it and turn the heat source off! Always turn pot handles to the back of the stove so pots won't be pulled or knocked off.
* Sparkling lights such as matches and candles represent a special hazard during the holiday season. Keep them away from other decorations and draperies, and out of the reach of little hands.
* Don't overload electrical outlets. Never run an extension cord under any carpet or rug, and be particularly careful about multiple tree light sets. If an extension cord is frayed or even in doubt, discard and replace it.
* In general, the inexpensive new generations of mini-lights are safer than old fashioned "screw-in" bulb sets, because they generate substantially less heat per bulb. Consider replacing old light sets with new mini-light sets, making sure the new sets bear the UL seal.
* Electric space heaters are safe when used according to directions, but don't allow furniture or decorations to sit too close. Again, be careful to not overload electrical circuits.
And specifically, regarding your Christmas tree:
* When buying your tree, ask the seller to make a fresh cut on the trunk to allow maximum water uptake. Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy base filled with water and check the water level daily.
* Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces. Also, keep the tree away from furnace vents which might dry the tree out. Do not allow your tree to block or restrict any exits from the room.
* Do not use candles on or near the tree. It's simply too dangerous.
* Dry trees and wreaths burn like a torch. Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry. And never burn your tree or any tree parts in your fireplace.
Regarding your holiday lights:
* Purchase only light sets approved by Underwriters Laboratories, and bearing the UL symbol.
* Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed or damaged cords, and replace if necessary. Don't risk trying to repair older light sets. It's not worth the chance.
* Never use lights that have an empty socket. The exposed electrical connections represent a significant shock hazard, especially to little fingers.
* Turn off all holiday lights prior to leaving your home or going to bed. Resist the temptation to put your lights and tree on a timer, as the additional lighting dries your tree faster, and you won't be there to control an emergency.
* Properly sized strip outlets with built-in circuit breakers are best, if you need them. Avoid using extension cords, but if you do, follow instructions carefully to avoid overloading. Cords should never feel hot or even warm.
* Use weatherproof OUTDOOR lights and cords for outdoors. These sets are not for prolonged exposure, so take them down as soon as the season is over.
Perhaps the best holiday gift you can give someone is a smoke detector. It can save a life, yet often costs less than ten dollars. And remember that a smoke detector can't do its job if the batteries are run down, so test detectors regularly.
Over ninety percent of fire deaths occur in residential dwellings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are asleep. Smoke detectors alert occupants when a fire is still small and there is still time to escape.
If you own rental property, you can do your tenants a favor by sending them
this column as a reminder. You are welcome to copy this list off my website at money99.com and use it as you wish.
As I have said before, for most Americans, the best investment they ever make is their own home. My advice is to keep that home (and its occupants) safe from fire, both now and in the years to come.
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