December starts a three-month period in which accidents are more prone to happen, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
This results from an increase in the number of candles present in the home during the holiday season and families seeking alternate sources of heat during the typically colder winter months.
The increase in incidents has resulted in the National Fire Protection Association and the Red Cross offering safety tips to decrease the number of incidents.
The Red Cross cites overloaded circuits, increased smoking and cooking as three of the most common causes of fire during the holiday season. Candle safety alone could potentially prevent thousands of causalities annually.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 300 Christmas tree fires in U.S. homes in 1998. This resulted in 11 injuries and approximately $8 million in direct property damage.
A similar study shows that 9,930 home fires between 1994 and 1998 were caused by candles. These fires resulted in 1,043 injuries and $144.5 million in property damage, averaging 119 deaths annually.
Experts are also urging residents who have a fireplace to have it inspected before it is used regularly. They also urge residents to only burn wood products, not gift wrap, and make sure stockings are far enough away from flames.
Dry Christmas trees have also been cited as a source of sparking fires. Experts urge residents to water trees daily and avoid heat sources and other open flames to remedy the situation.
The Red Cross urges citizens nationwide to enroll in First Aid, CPR and AED classes for knowledge in case of emergency. Though this will not prevent situations, it will help residents respond should an emergency arise.
For more information, contact the Red Cross Atlanta Chapter at (404) 876-3302, or connect to their web site at www.redcross.org.
