For many families, lights and Christmas trees are an essential part of the holidays, but they can also cause dangerous fires. A dried-out tree, an unattended candle, or a frayed wire can spark a blaze, resulting in considerable fire damage restoration bills and serious injuries. Below are a few ways to keep your family safe this holiday season.

How to Avoid Fires During the Holidays

1. Service Your Furnace

While your furnace sits unused through most of the year, dust accumulates on the burners and coils, increasing the risk of a fire. Before you start running the heater full-time, have a professional examine the system, clean the components, and make any necessary repairs to keep your system safe.

2. Be Careful With Holiday Lights

Many fire damage restoration projects start because the homeowner plugged too many strands of lights together, overloading the outlet. Before plugging in your holiday lights, be sure the outlet can handle the voltage, and always turn them when you go to bed.

3. Water the Tree

Every year, fire departments across the country respond to hundreds of fires caused by Christmas trees, which can ignite in a matter of minutes. Keeping your tree watered throughout the season will make it less flammable, potentially preventing a life-threatening fire.

4. Stay With Cooking Food

Many holiday fires also start in the kitchen, so be especially careful when preparing meals. Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven, and keep small children out of the area when you’re working.

If your home has a fire this holiday season, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties to restore your house and possessions. Their fire damage restoration professionals use the most advanced equipment on the market and apply proven techniques to eliminate all traces of the unfortunate incident. Visit their website for more on their fire damage restoration services, get more tips and updates on Facebook, or call (636) 456-3422 for prompt, effective service.