DECORATING WITHOUT BURNING Down the HOUSE!
During the Holiday season each
year, fires claim the lives of more than 400
Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause more than $990 million in damage.
Candle-related
fires are one of the most common holiday home hazards, averaging more than
12,000 each year. Candles are a beautiful addition to Holicy decor. But make sure you keep those Advent and Chanukah candles
away from flammable items (like your tree and those wooden Nutcrackers!) Always blow them out when you leave the room. And double check if you are leaving the house. One candle is all it takes.
Another indoor
fire hazards this time of year is the Christmas Tree. You want to place the
tree at least three feet from any heat source, such as the fire place, a
radiator or candles. If you have a an artificial tree, make sure the box is
labeled or certified by the manufacturer as UL tested to withstand fire. If you have a real
tree, remember a moist tree is less likely to catch fire than a dry one. When
selecting your tree, check to see if the needles fall off when touched- this
indicates a dry tree. To keep it moist, keep water in the tree stand and check
it daily.

One of the
biggest fire hazards is the fire place. Everyone loves a roaring fire when it
is cold out. But it can cause horrible damage if proper care is not taken. Hang those stockings with care! Make sure your damper is open
and cover your fireplace with a screen or grate. Curb that temptation to
put the tree next to the fire place. It will make a lovely picture, but the
consequences can be deadly. On Christmas morning, grab a garbage bag to throw
the wrapping paper in. Tossing it into your fireplace can create enough sparks
and embers to start a fire outside the fireplace.
Decorations help us feel
festive during this wonderful time of year. I know it brightens up our home . But let's decorate with safety in
mind and keep those we love safe and sound!
If you
do have a fire, get your family out of the house and call 911. Call you
insurance company once everyone is safe and the fire is out..
You can also check out tips
from the experts at This
Old House about preventing Holiday fires.
There are
three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs:
* Call Brockman
Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683