It’s that time of year, when the chill in the air and the approaching holiday can mean increased fire hazards in and around the home. All property owners, landlords and property management companies should be vigilant about reminding tenants of these hazards. Landlords and tenants need to know how to protect themselves, their possessions and their property.
Holiday
Decorations: Use non-combustible, flame-resistant materials. Never use lighted
candles on a tree, evergreens or other flammable materials.
Lights:
Check for loose connections, broken or cracked sockets or frayed wires. Use UL
approved lighting. Fasten lights to the tree and prevent bulbs from coming in
contact with the needles or branches. Unplug all exterior and interior holiday
lights and decorations before you go to bed.
Trees:
Be sure a natural tree is fresh and less likely to become a fire hazard by cutting
2 inches off the trunk and placing it in a sturdy water stand; water the tree
daily. Keep the tree away from fireplaces, wall furnaces and other heat
sources. When opting for an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled “fire
resistant.”
Portable
space heaters: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything
combustible. Turn on space heaters only when you are in the room. Don’t leave a
space heater on overnight or near children and pets.
Cooking:
Turkey fryers should be used outdoors and away from buildings and flammable
materials.
Fire
Escape Plan: Be sure your tenants have and know an escape route. Check to make
sure there is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, laundry room, and
garage. Remind them to never burn greens, papers, or other decorations in the
fireplace. Test all smoke alarms, and replace their batteries every six months.
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