Washingtonians Could Use a Few Holiday Safety Tips

While holiday decorations and lights might raise holiday spirits, some homeowners use them unsafely, putting themselves and their families at risk, according to a recent survey by Washington-based insurer PEMCO Insurance.

The survey of Washington homeowners revealed nine out of 10 will decorate with interior lights this holiday season. Decorative lights can pose a threat if not properly used.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause more than $930 million in damages annually. On December 24, 25 and 26, fire deaths increase on average by 50 percent, injuries increase on average 61 percent and dollar loss increases by an average of 43 percent.

“We know that almost one-fourth of homeowners fail to turn off holiday lights before they leave their home,” said Jon Osterberg, PEMCO spokesman. “While that may seem harmless enough, all it takes is a frayed wire and a dry Christmas tree to start a house fire.”

Parched Christmas trees and wrapping paper can ignite around hot lights. There’s also a chance that undetected cracked or frayed electrical cords can start a fire.

According to the survey, men are more prone to leave the lights on when no one is home-66 percent of men remember to pull the plug, whereas 74 percent of women asked said they always turn off holiday lights. Overall, 20 percent of homeowners sometimes or always leave their indoor holiday lights on when they leave home.

The poll also revealed 90 percent of Washington homeowners say they burn candles. Of those people, 12 percent don’t always use non-combustible holders, such as glass or metal. That increases the risk of a holiday fire because combustible decorations can ignite.

Interestingly, 92 percent of homeowners without children always burn candles in non-combustible holders compared to 83 percent of those with children under 18 years old, the survey indicated.

For the survey, PEMCO Insurance commissioned Informa Research Services Inc. to ask Washington homeowners questions about home maintenance and other issues.