Fire Prevention Week: Top 6 Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

During the holiday season, we all want to focus on celebration, togetherness, and all things joyful. Unfortunately, the holidays also mean an increase in fire hazards. However, with the proper precautions, you can protect your manufactured home for a safe and festive environment you and your loved ones can enjoy from Halloween through the new year. 

Here are six essential fire prevention safety tips tailored specifically for manufactured home communities. 

#1 Check Your Smoke Alarms

Before putting out your skeletons, adorning your house with autumn leaves, or hanging Christmas lights, ensure your smoke alarms are in good working condition. Here are some essential things to consider when checking your fire alarms: 

• Test your alarms monthly by pressing the button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t sound, you must replace the battery or check the power connection. 
• Replace batteries once a year. 
• Install at least two alarms in your home. 
• Never disconnect or remove the batteries if your alarm goes off by mistake. 

You may also consider installing interconnected smoke alarms that will alert you if one detects smoke, giving you a head start if there is a fire anywhere in your home. 

According to the American Red Cross, home fires claim seven lives per day, but working smoke alarms cut the risk in half. Stay safe and check your fire alarms often.

#2 Practice Safe Cooking

When most people think about the holidays, images of feasts, snacks, and seasonal delicacies come to mind. Cooking is at the heart of holiday celebrations, but it’s vital to stay vigilant. Here are some ways to stay safe while cooking in your manufactured home: 

• Stay in the Kitchen: Never leave food unattended on the stove. If you must step away, make sure you keep a timer with you to check on your food frequently. 
• Keep Flammable Items Away from the Stove: Make sure your potholders, towels, and decorations are a safe distance away from your heating elements. 

#3 Decorate with Safety in Mind

If you have a favorite holiday, you may want to add some decorations to your manufactured home to add to the festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, decorations also pose fire risks. Here are a few ways to stay safe when decorating your home. 

• Choose Fire-Resistant Decor: Look for labeling that says the decoration is made of flame-retardant materials. 
• Use LED Lights: This type of lighting uses less energy and does not produce as much heat as incandescent lights. 
• Don’t Overload Outlets: This is a big one during the holidays. Be mindful of how many decorations you plug into a single outlet to avoid overloading circuits. 

#4 Be Cautious with Candles

Candles create a warm ambiance during cold months, but they are very hazardous, especially around flammable materials often used in decorations. Try using flameless candles operated by battery, and never leave candles unattended or near decorations. 

#5 Safely Store Firewood and Decorations

If you have a fireplace in your home or outside or use space heaters, ensure firewood is stored outdoors and keep it 30 feet away from your home and other structures. Dry wood becomes a hazard that puts your home at risk for a fire. 

Also, never block an exit from your home with holiday decorations or firewood so that escape routes are clear during an emergency. 

#6 Create an Emergency Plan and Educate Your Family

Preparation is key to fire safety. Begin by developing a fire escape plan and ensuring everyone in your home knows how to exit quickly in an emergency. Practice the plan often. Also, ensure part of your plan includes a meeting point or a safe spot outside your home where everyone will gather if they must escape a fire. 

Once you’ve prepared a fire escape plan, ensure everyone in your home understands fire safety. Teach children the dangers of playing with fire and how to respond if a fire breaks out. Additionally, engage your entire family in conversations about fire safety during the holidays as the environment changes and people become more carefree. 

Prioritize Safety in Your Manufactured Home This Holiday Season

Bayshore communities make fire safety a priority. We have recently teamed up with the Red Cross to ensure our communities are educated about fire safety and have the tools they need to prevent tragedy. 

Even though the holidays are a time for celebration, you must prioritize safety for yourself and your family living in your manufactured home. By implementing these top 6 fire prevention tips, including an emergency plan, you can enjoy a festive season filled with warmth, laughter, and memories, knowing your loved ones are protected. Stay safe, and happy holidays!

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Bayshore's manufactured home communities offer the perfect blend of comfort, customization, and community. Embrace the joy of the holidays and homeownership while giving your family the comfort and sense of community they deserve. Come see why so many people are choosing manufactured homes as their perfect place to call home! Call us at (888) 855-1818 to find a Bayshore community in the location you want today.