The 3 Biggest Holiday Home Emergencies You May Encounter
The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, but they can also be a time for increased risk of home emergencies. With all the extra cooking, decoration, and entertainment, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to prevent them. In this blog, we'll explore three of the most common holiday home emergencies – oven fires, candles, and appliance floods – and share tips on how to prevent and handle these situations.
Oven Fire
The holiday season is a time when many of us gather with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy delicious meals together. Preparing festive feasts can be a joyous experience, but it also comes with various types of residential fires, including the potential for oven fires. These fires can quickly turn holiday cheer into a disaster.
They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Overcooked food
- Grease buildup
- Electrical malfunctions
- Foreign objects in the oven
Oven fires can be frightening, but knowing the reasons and how to respond can make all the difference.
Candle Fire
Candles can add a warm and cozy atmosphere to your holiday decorations. However, beneath their calm appearance lies a potential fire hazard that should never be underestimated. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an alarming 8,200 home fires are ignited by candles each year.
Understanding the causes can save you most of the time. The causes are:
- Leaving candles unattended
- Placing candles too close to flammable objects
- Using candles in high-traffic areas
- Using damaged or defective candles
Appliance Flooding
Appliance flooding can turn into a stressful disaster during a holiday. The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but they're also a time for increased risk of appliance flooding. With all the extra cooking, cleaning, and entertainment, it's no wonder that our appliances are put to the test.
Here are a few reasons why appliance flooding is more common during the holidays:
- Overuse
- Clogged drains
- Power outages
- Frozen pipes
If you do experience an appliance flood during the holidays, don't panic. First, turn off the water supply to the appliance. Then, call a professional water damage restoration company. They will be able to clean up the mess and restore your home to its pre-flood condition.
Quick Tips for Handling Holiday Home Emergencies
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
- Home Safety Kits: Prepare a home safety kit that includes a fire extinguisher, basic first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.
- Fire Escape Plan: Ensure your family knows the fire escape plan and meeting point in case of an emergency.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly service and maintain appliances and heating equipment to reduce the risk of malfunctions.
- Safe Candle Practices: If using candles, place them on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces and never leave them unattended.
PDQ Fire & Water Damage Restoration: Your Restoration Partner in New Jersey
When disaster strikes, there's one name you can rely on for swift and professional restoration services – PDQ Fire & Water Damage Restoration. Our commitment to New Jersey communities goes beyond mere restoration; it's about helping families and businesses rebuild their lives after fire or water-related emergencies. Call us now at 973-447-3363 to know more about our services.
