The fall and winter months are a great time to review fire safety. A number of issues around the holidays can affect fire safety in your home, so take the time to sit down with your family and discuss ways to prevent fire and burn injury.
Specifically, you will want to:
1) Take a look at your holiday decor.
At this time of year, many homeowners bring candles, lights, and other accessories into their homes to brighten them. If you’re decorating with candles, consider flameless candles or at least keep your candles well supervised and away from any flammable materials. Never leave candles unattended and avoid them entirely if you have small children or pets.
If you’re hanging holiday lights, make sure they are LED lights which are designed not to overheat. Before stringing them up, test them to ensure there aren’t any exposed wires or frayed wires which can pose a safety hazard. When stringing lights, do not overload your electrical outlets by using multiple extension cords. Instead, buy lights with adequate length so they can reach outlets or rely on lights using batteries.
2) Review your fire safety plan.
This can be a great time to talk to your family and children about your family safety plan if there is ever a fire in your home. Does everyone in your family know what to do in case of a fire? Do they know where you’ll meet after escaping the house? Do your children understand how to get out of every room safely? Make sure they’re at least two exits in every room. Review fire safety rules with your children and practice in a family fire drill so your children know exactly how to stay safe.
3) Update your home’s fire safety systems.
Take a look at your smoke detectors. Are they functioning correctly? Do they require new batteries? If possible, switch to wired systems (they are considered a safer option by experts). In addition to smoke detectors, make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home, especially in your kitchen.
4) Make sure any heaters or fireplaces in your home are ready for the winter.
If you’re using a fireplace, space heater, electric fireplace, or other appliance to add coziness or a warm glow to your home during the autumn and winter, make sure you’re doing so safely. Check any electrical fireplaces or heaters carefully for any signs of damage or wear. Always keep them well away from flammable materials and make sure they are safe to use, with no frayed wires and no mechanical issues. If you’re using a real fireplace, get your fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional before the winter. Make sure to follow safety rules and never leave a fireplace unattended.
If you have suffered an injury due to a defective candle, light, accessory, heater, or other product, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. The Flaxman Law Group team has more than 60 years of combined experience helping plaintiffs in Hollywood, Homestead, Miami, and across South Florida secure compensation for unsafe products and injuries caused by instances of negligence. Contact the attorneys today to find out whether you have a claim and to find out how much your claim could be worth.