The United State Fire Administration provided fire safety tips for the home during the holidays, which if followed, will ensure a healthy and happy time for all involved.
The USFA says heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas each year, and the reason for this is creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. Furthermore, the USFA encourages all home heating systems be maintained regularly in order to function safely and efficiently.
Be sure to safely burn fuels by remembering to never use flammable liquids to start a fire, use only seasoned hardwood, never burn cardboard boxes or debris in the fireplace or leave a fire unattended, according to the USFA
Protecting the outside of the home from fire is key, and to do that a person should keep the roof clear of leaves and pine needles, stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from the home and remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents, says the USFA.
The National Fire Protection Association says in 2009 there was one home structure fire reported every 87 seconds, which is proof that house fires happen more often than one may think. A fire in a residence can destroy homes as well as lives, and that is a great reason to purchase homeowners insurance.
