COLUMBIA, S.C. — With cooler temperatures on the way and the push to decorate for the holidays, there could be an increased risk of a fire at your home.
The National Fire Protection Association says the risk of fire goes up during the holidays, especially if you are using a space heater. But there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
Mike DeSumma with the Columbia Richland Fire Department said safety has to be top of mind when using a space heater.
“This is the time of year where many people are turning those heaters and other heating equipment on for the first time. And there are just certain things you have to be mindful of when you're using them. Attention is key, just like cooking. (Once) you turn those space heaters on, you can't leave them unattended. Also, you want to have them on a flat surface," DeSumma explained.
DeSumma also said fireplaces can be a concern.
“If you're going to start a fire in your fireplace, you have to keep an eye on it. You also want to make sure you have your chimney inspected and all your heating equipment checked every season to make sure it's working properly," he said.
If you have a real tree in your home, don’t forget to water it.
“The tree is going to take up a lot of water and if it dries out, you essentially have live kindling in your living room or wherever you have it. So definitely, if you have a live Christmas tree make sure you water it regularly to keep it green,” DeSumma said.
According to the NFPA, almost one-third of Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
DeSumma recommended taking a close look at those lights and decorations.
“The first step when you pull those decorations out, is to lay them out and take a good look at the wiring. As you use decorations year after year and you're putting them out there in the elements, you run the risk that some of those light strands might have some frays and those are the times where you have to think, maybe it's time to replace those light strands,” he said.
DeSumma also said folks need to be cautious about using candles.
He recommended using new, battery powered candles, but if you must use a candle with an open flame, never leave it unattended as the results could be disastrous.