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Were Your Holiday Decorations a Fire Hazard? Get them In-Check for 2018

Happy New Year! The holidays are officially over. Were your office holiday decorations safe for work in 2017? While they may not have created a fire hazard this year, it is important you learn and avoid common fire hazards in 2018. As experts in fire protection systems for Columbus and the surrounding areas, Hard Fire is here to offer important safety tips to keep in mind for next year.

First, before starting the process of decorating your office for the holidays, it's a good idea to verify that all of your fire safety equipment is in proper working order. Make sure that your smoke detectors are working, and verify that the fire extinguishers are easily accessible. If you need assistance with this step, don’t hesitate to contact the experts in fire protection systems; Hard Fire.

Next, be mindful of potential fire hazards when selecting holiday decorations and determining where to place them. Don’t block any fire safety equipment, exit signage or exits with holiday décor or lights. Avoid placing Christmas trees, gifts, or decorations in heavily trafficked areas where people might trip over them. Do not place any type of decorative items in exit corridors or over sprinklers.

If you must include lights, make sure you use lights that have been tested for safety. Look for a certification mark from UL, CSA, ETL or other nationally-recognized laboratories. Consider using LED lights when possible. LED lights run cooler and use less energy than incandescent lights. Double check lights for frayed wires or cracks, and be sure there is a bulb in each socket. Discard and replace any damaged strands. Never place staples or nails through strings of lights, power cords, or extension cords. Never exceed the maximum number of strings or devices that may be linked together. And always turn off or even unplug all lights and other electric décor before leaving for the night.

When decorating outside, keep ladders and decorations away from overhead power lines. And these are just a few of the ways to avoid unsafe decorating this holiday season. For more tips on safe holiday decorating, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can come out to test your fire protection systems and even install a new system if you’d like.

Are you ready to learn more about fire protection systems for your Columbus area business in 2018? Call us at Hard Fire at 800-848-1301 or 614-882-2990 or you can Contact Us.

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