Holiday Fire Safety Tips for Nebraska Homeowners

With Nebraska’s cold, dry winters and older homes, it’s no wonder that the colder months see a spike in house fires. These risks are increased during the holiday season, when residents begin cooking big holiday meals, using candles and fireplaces more often, display electric decor, and entertain more guests. These factors are mainstays of holiday cheer, but they can also make your property even more vulnerable. 

At Paul Davis Restoration, we’re your local fire and smoke repair experts. Thanks to our local expertise in holiday fire prevention, our team is here to provide you with a basic guide for holiday fire safety that prioritizes protecting your home, family, and guests while you celebrate all that the season has to offer.

One universal fire safety tip for all homeowners is to test smoke detectors and replace batteries frequently. Make sure to test them at the beginning of the season. Another important step is to develop a fire plan for your family and practice it until it becomes second nature. This should be a specific set of steps to take that even children can follow, and should include a plan to escape outdoors.

Make sure each family member has a way to flee the home out of a window in the event that the fire has spread outside of their bedroom door, making escape to a main exit impossible. Invest in foldable escape ladders or other equipment that allows family members to flee out of upper stories of multi-level homes.

Common Holiday Fire Hazards 

Nebraska’s cold and rural conditions increase fire risks during the holiday season. The most common hazards include:

• Overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords
• Unsafe use of space heaters and fireplaces
• Damaged or unsafe holiday lighting
• Improperly maintained Christmas trees
• Increased cooking with added distractions
• Unattended candles
• Unsupervised children

Electrical & Lighting Safety 

Many homes in Nebraska were built before the 1980s. These older homes have unique fire risks due to their aged wiring and electrical panels that may struggle to keep up with modern-day holiday usage. Limited outlets result in homeowners using outlet expanders and extension cords in potentially unsafe ways. This is in addition to the normal fire hazards associated with external holiday lights and indoor tree lights.

To prevent fires, follow these tips:

• Inspect indoor and outdoor lights for damage, including frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or loose connections
• Avoid overloading outlets by using one large appliance per outlet
• Only use outdoor-rated lights and extension cords for exterior displays
• Never link multiple extension cords together to add length
• Unplug lights or use a timer to turn them off at night or when leaving 
• Call an electrician right away if you notice signs like yellow outlet sparks, warm outlets, warm electrical panels, frequent breaker trips, or burning smells

Cooking & Kitchen Fire Prevention 

Many holiday celebrations center around meals. That’s why kitchen fires are the most common holiday disasters. Guests in your home and entertainment can leave you distracted, increasing your fire hazards and putting your family at risk. To avoid these issues, follow these best practices:

• Never walk away from a stove while cooking
• Keep flammable items away from heat, including oven mitts, paper towels, and decorations
• Use timers to ensure distractions don’t deter you
• Keep pot handles turned inward so children cannot bump and spill them
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from all hot surfaces or out of the kitchen entirely
• Ensure you have a Class K fire extinguisher to use in grease and oil fires, and test it at the start of the season

Heating Equipment & Fireplace Safety 

When temperatures drop, homeowners do more than just crank up the thermostat. Many use space heaters or fireplaces for cost-effective added heat and a cozy holiday atmosphere. Unfortunately, improper use of both of these can dramatically increase your fire risk.

To ensure your safety, always:

• Schedule yearly chimney cleanings to remove buildup
• Use a fireplace screen to trap flying embers
• Burn only dry wood and never treated wood
• Use space heaters on a level surface and place them three feet from anything flammable
• Never leave a fire or space heater unattended
• Invest in a heater with an automatic shutoff

What to Do If a Fire Occurs 

Even with proper preparation and safety measures, house fires are still a risk. If you experience a fire, get everyone out immediately and call 911 from a safe location. If the fire is small enough, you can use a fire extinguisher to attempt to stop it, but only if you have a clear escape route. Never re-enter your home until the fire is out, and don’t delay escape by retrieving personal items. The top priority should be ensuring family members escape quickly and calmly.

Smoke & Fire Restoration from Paul Davis

After a fire, it’s important to document damage in preparation for your insurance claim. Then call Paul Davis. Our local Omaha restoration team offers comprehensive fire and smoke damage services, including cleanup, smoke odor removal, structural repairs, and reconstruction. With our local experience in navigating seasonal hazards, we have the skills and tools to restore your home to its pre-loss state with minimal downtime. Plus, we ensure that your property is safe and that no lingering issues put your health or family at risk.

Choose Paul Davis Restoration

When you need superior fire restoration services, contact the team at Paul Davis Restoration of Omaha. As the nation’s leading provider of restoration services, we work hard to offer the highest quality services in our customers’ time of need. Our 23/7 emergency availability means a team member will respond within 30 minutes to bring fast and practical solutions to any disaster. Plus, we assist with the insurance claim process to make restoring your home as hassle-free as possible.

After a fire, call Paul Davis to schedule fire and smoke restoration services in the Omaha, Nebraska area.