We are heading into the most joyous time of year for most homeowners across Pennsylvania: THE HOLIDAYS! The winter months will bring many guests together in homes across the state, but it is important to also remember that this time of year is the most likely time for a house fire. Here are some tips you can take to help protect your home this winter:
1. Don’t Let Your Tree Dry Out
A dry Christmas tree can become a blazing inferno in seconds. When selecting a real tree, perform the needle test—bend them between your fingers. Fresh needles should be pliable and green, not brittle or falling off. Once home, make a fresh cut two inches from the base and immediately place the tree in water. Check the water level daily, as trees can absorb a gallon or more during the first few days.
A well-hydrated tree is significantly less flammable than a dried-out one.
2. Inspect Your Holiday Lights
Before decorating, examine every light strand closely for damaged wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections. Run your hands along each cord to feel for any abnormalities. If you find any damage, throw the entire strand away (yes, it’s a bummer, but not worth the risk!). Replace worn-out lights with LED options, which generate 90% less heat than incandescent bulbs and dramatically reduce fire hazards.
3. Schedule a Chimney Cleaning & Inspection
Pennsylvania winters mean fireplace season, but dirty chimneys cause thousands of house fires annually, 25,000+ according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney before the first fire of the season. Creosote buildup—a tar-like substance from burning wood—is highly flammable and can ignite at high temperatures. Annual cleaning removes this dangerous accumulation and identifies any structural issues.
A few local chimney sweeps that are well reviewed according to Google customer reviews are Beitler’s Chimney Service and Capital Hearth Services.
4. Maintain 3-Foot Safety Zones
Create a three-foot “circle of safety” around all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, and radiators. Keep Christmas trees, wrapped presents, decorations, furniture, and curtains outside this zone. This simple rule dramatically reduces the chance of accidental ignition from radiant heat or stray sparks.
5. Never Leave Candles Burning Unattended
Candles create beautiful ambiance but cause an average of 20 home fires daily during December. Always place candles in sturdy, non-flammable holders on stable surfaces away from drafts. Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. Consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles for a safer alternative that looks remarkably realistic.
6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Press the test button on every smoke alarm in your home to ensure they’re functioning properly. Replace batteries immediately if alarms chirp or fail the test. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace the entire unit. Winter is also a good time to check carbon monoxide detectors, especially if your home uses gas heating or fireplaces.
7. Tree Disposal
After the festivities end, remove your Christmas tree from your home quickly. The longer it sits, the drier and more combustible it becomes. Never burn your tree in the fireplace—the intense, uncontrolled flames and floating embers can cause chimney fires or ignite nearby surfaces. Instead, check with your municipality for tree recycling programs or curbside pickup schedules. If you live in Chambersburg, here is the link to the public works page where they will post their tree pickup schedule.
Looking for a Home to Host in?
Are you looking for a larger home to host your holiday gatherings? Well, I’d love to help! If you would like a CMA on your current home, or are a first-time home buyer, we can meet to discuss your goals for your next home. Feel free to reach out! Happy Holidays!
