Fire safety experts: Make safety a holiday tradition at your house
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Electrical Safety Foundation International(ESFI) is launching its annual holiday safety campaign to encourage families and communities across the country to Make Safety a Tradition. The theme of this year’s campaign is “ESFI’s Holiday Survival Guide,” which educates the public about preventing dangers commonly associated with the holiday season, from hanging the first hook to dismantling the last decoration and everything in between.
Statistics show that increased risks of fire and electrical hazards are unintended consequences of common activities during this time of year. Recent reports from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) indicate that 30 percent of all home fires and 38 percent of home fire deaths occur during the months of December, January and February. Between 2004 and 2009, an average of 240 home fires each year started with Christmas trees. One-third of all home Christmas tree fires are attributed to home electrical problems. Additionally, another 150 home fires per year were caused by decorative and holiday lights.