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You Hear It Every Year and This Year Should Be No Different: Keep Fire Prevention and Fire Safety in Mind Regarding Your Christmas Tree

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You hear it every year and this year is no different: keep fire prevention and fire safety in mind regarding your Christmas tree!  It’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” so don’t let it turn into a disaster for your family by ignoring some simple Christmas tree safety rules – especially when it comes to fire prevention.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says every year an average of 210 fires are caused by Christmas trees.  Don’t let your holiday tradition become a NFPA statistic.

  • It’s a great idea to test your smoke alarms or fire alarm systems the day you decide to put up your Christmas tree. (Make that part of your family’s “tradition”!)
  • If you have an artificial tree, make sure the label indicates fire retardant certification.
  • When buying a fresh tree, make sure the needles are green and do not fall off when touched.
  • Keep the tree well away from any heat source such as a fireplace or radiator.
  • Keep a fresh tree well watered.
  • Never, ever use candles to decorate on or near the Christmas tree.
  • Turn off tree lights before going to bed or when leaving the house.

We know you have probably heard all of these tips year after year.  But when it comes to the safety of your home and family, what’s a little repetition?
We at ABEL Building Systems wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Fire Prevention and Alarms, Fire Safety and Fire Escape Planning are Year ‘Round Endeavors

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October was National Fire Prevention Month, and there is always a lot of good info out there about fire safety, smoke alarms, fire alarm systems and fire escape planning in that month. But, fire safety is a year ‘round concern and should be reviewed often by your family or your business – no matter what month it is.
We at ABEL Building Systems are taking a minute to give you some basic fire safety tips to keep in mind all year long.
For homeowners:
 
1. Protect your home, your family and your pets with working smoke alarms and/or fire alarm systems. Make sure all systems are fully functional at all times. Test them periodically and change batteries yearly. As we reminded you last month, when you “fall back” or “spring forward” time-wise is a great reminder to check those smoke alarm batteries.
 
2. Have an “escape plan” in place for your family, should the alarm go off. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home and practice it – more than once, if you have small children.
 
3. If possible, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends everyone know at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
 
For apartment and high-rise building dwellers:
 
1. When looking for an apartment, it is best to rent one where there is a fire detection system with smoke detectors. Many times an automatic fire detection system can provide early warning to the authorities before a fire starts.
 
2. Know the evacuation plan for your apartment or high-rise. Go over this with your family and always take part when your complex practices any type of fire or emergency drill.
 
3. In case of fire, never, ever use the elevator – take the stairs. If someone in your family is unable to use stairs, be sure to incorporate this issue within your personal fire safety plan.
 
For business owners:
 
1. The first step is to make sure you are at minimum following the OSHA guidelines for fire safety standards. This at minimum should include fire prevention measures, an emergency evacuation plan and clearly marked exit routes.
 
2. It is a good idea to work with a specialist to identify what system would work best for your company’s set up. We at ABEL Building Systems provide NFPA fire code compliant systems to our customers and install non-proprietary Silent Knight and System Sensor fire alarm equipment.
 
3. Keep any machines (copiers, computers, office equipment, etc.) that get warm or produce heat away from easily flammable materials. If possible, turn off electrical appliances at the end of each work day – for example, the coffee pot!
 
Remember, fire Prevention and alarms, fire safety and fire escape planning are things to keep in the forefront of your mind throughout the year.