Fire Safety tips from the Experts- Click the Photo
Harsch Associates Berkshire Real Estate located in Williamstown MA presents Holiday Fire Safety Tips to assure that your holiday starts and ends joyously and safely. We have been selling homes for over 35 years and assisting buyers in Williamstown and Berkshire county in obtaining the perfect home for their family. As Realtors(R) we know the value of home safety especially during the holiday season. So we offer the tips below to keep you and yours safe. When you decide to buy or sell contact us here at Harsch Associates Berkshire Real Estate for professional assistance with your real estate transaction..... And Now we offer these wise words...
Tis the season to deck the halls, but don't forget to keep fire safety in mind. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires that occur during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 people, injure 1,650 people or more and cause over $990 million in property damage each year. Follow these tips to prevent holiday fires.
Select a Fresh Tree| Needles should be green and attached firmly to the branches and they should not break if the tree is freshly cut. Don't place the tree near a heat source, such as a heat vent or fireplace. Keep the tree stand filled with water to keep it moist, and don't leave the tree up longer than two weeks. When it becomes dry, discard it immediately. A dry tree can explode into a fireball in moments if a spark of fire reaches the dried needles.
Inspect Holiday Lights Each Year| Check for frayed wires and burned out bulbs before putting the lights on the tree. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Periodically check the wires to make sure they are not warm to the touch. Link no more than three light strands, don't overload the electrical outlets and don't leave lights unattended while away from home. You want to see the glow of the holiday season softly shining from your windows, not the strobe of the town fire truck in your driveway.
Use Nonflammable decorations| Keep decorations away from heat vents or fireplaces. Avoid putting wrapping paper in the fireplace, which can throw off dangerous sparks and cause a large fire. Artificial or metallic trees should be flame retardant. Remember wrapping paper is actually paper thin wood with possible solvent based paint designs.
Avoid using lit candles| We know this one is the most difficult during holiday decorating and entertaining so if you do use them make sure their holders are stable, and place them where they will not be knocked over. NEVER, EVER leave the house with candles burning. Don't go near a Christmas tree with a lit candle or open flame. Most important of all check your smoke detectors and install new batteries if you haven't already done so earlier in the season.
Stay Safe while staying Warm| As the weather outside gets frightful in the Berkshires, heading indoors sounds delightful. But staying warm inside is not without its hazards. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during December, January and February. Avoid portable and space heaters unless you are going to remain in the room with them and purchase only those that automatically shut off if tilted or turned over.
With all that said we wish you and your family a happy holiday season. And if you should find yourself selling your home this season we can help you make smart decisions in this fast-paced, complex and competitive market. The right Realtor(R) can make the whole process of selling your home easier and often more profitable. We look forward to serving all your real estate needs here in Williamstown. The Harsch Associates Berkshire Real Estate Team.