The U.S. Fire Administration notes that winter holiday fires cause more damage and injury than the average fire. As the festive season approaches and you're preparing to close down the office for holidays and personal time off, prioritize safety measures to prevent fire hazards and ensure the safety of your business and employees. The planning process extends beyond personal holiday arrangements for business owners who need to close their establishments temporarily.
Our detailed checklist will guide you through essential steps to have a safe and hazard-free holiday season for your organization.
Turn off all lights and electrical decorations before leaving your office to prevent holiday-related fires. Remember that nearly one in five Christmas tree fires are caused by lamps or bulbs. Taking this simple step will help ensure the safety of your workplace.
Take down any real Christmas trees when your office is closed for the holidays. As Christmas trees dry out, they become increasingly flammable. A significant percentage (36%) of Christmas tree fires occur in January. While Christmas tree fires are uncommon, they can spread quickly. To minimize fire hazards, decorating with an artificial tree is best.
It is essential to adhere to the 3-feet rule. This rule stipulates that all flammable materials must be kept at least 3 feet from any heat source. This safety measure prevents accidental fires from igniting and spreading. Heat sources encompass many potential fire hazards, including fireplaces, stoves, ovens, space heaters, and electrical appliances.
It is essential to adhere to the 3-feet rule. This rule stipulates that all flammable materials must be kept at least 3 feet from any heat source. This safety measure prevents accidental fires from igniting and spreading. Heat sources encompass many potential fire hazards, including fireplaces, stoves, ovens, space heaters, and electrical appliances.
To ensure a clean and safe environment free of fire hazards, discard all trash and flammable debris from the building. This proactive measure involves identifying and separating combustible materials that could fuel a fire.
Make sure all your smoke alarms have been tested within the last month. Verify that the detectors are functioning correctly and appropriately mounted.
To ensure the proper functioning of your fire protection system, keep fire alarms and sprinklers free from obstructions. Decorations such as mistletoe should not be hung from sprinklers. In the event of a fire, the smoke detection system must be unobstructed.
To minimize energy consumption and save money, modify the settings on your heating system to a lower temperature. Keep the heat running to prevent frozen pipes. Additionally, inspect the furnace filter; if it is dirty or clogged, replace it to maintain efficient airflow and prevent fires.
Unplugging appliances offer additional benefits beyond powering them off. By disconnecting cords from outlets, you can prevent potential electrical fires and save energy and money. By unplugging these appliances, you can help reduce energy consumption, minimize the risk of fires, and extend the lifespan of your electronics. Here's a list of appliances to consider unplugging:
Do you need additional help and tips on keeping your office safe during the holidays? CertaSite is here to help. Our expert fire safety technicians are ready to keep the holiday season as stress-free as possible by keeping your business hazard-free.