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The holiday season is a time for celebration, not massive emotional trauma. Having a fire isn't just bad for your mental state or your survival, it's also bad for the environment. The fire will burn and pollute the air. It can gut the house and incinerate everything you own. You can't repair the lump of goo that was once a couch and you can't repurpose a pile of ash. Countless resources are spent each year to rebuild homes destroyed by fires. And God forbid that someone should die. You can't replace a life. With these thoughts in mind, lets look at some ways to protect your home this holiday season.
Christmas Tree
A real tree is better for the environment than a plastic one. Artificial ones are usually made of plastic. Real trees are renewable and can be mulched, but real trees are also more of a fire hazard. The reason, however, that real trees are more of a fire hazard is that they are dead. So why not use a live tree? Simply buy a small Christmas tree and plant it in a pot. When you are done, plant the tree in the yard or in a forest. For safety's sake, don't set your tree near the fireplace, even if it is alive.
Lights
I disagree with Christmas lights. I think they are tacky, dangerous and wasteful. That's my opinion, and it's just an opinion. LED lights are an eco-friendly option if you must have lights. Check the lights for broken bulbs, frays in the cord or irregularities. Never use damaged Christmas lights. Make sure the lights are fastened to securely to the house to prevent wind or storm damage. Turn off the lights when not at home or awake.
Candles
For those of you celebrating with candles, be careful. Never leave a candle unattended. Always use a holder. Blow out candles when not in use. Don't put them near Christmas trees. Make sure to recycle your old candle wax.
Cooking
When's the last time you used your oven? When's the last time you cleaned your oven? Your oven may get more use during the holiday season than it does the rest of the year. Grease build-up can cause a fire. Make sure to dispose of the grease as per your city or county's ordinances.
More on Christmas:
5 Ways Stretch Christmas Cash Hit on Your List
Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Stay Healthy This Christmas
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