Keep Tenants Safe WIth These Holiday Safety Tips

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on December 11, 2011 under Landlord Tips | Be the First to Comment

Despite the beauty of holiday decorations, it’s clear they can be very dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas trees were the first things to ignite in an average of 240 home fires per year between 2005 and 2009. These fires caused an estimated average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries and nearly $17 million in property damage per year.

And holiday lights and other decorative lights caused nearly 150 fires per year in that same period with an average of eight deaths, 14 injuries and $8.5 million in property damage.

Some of the top causes of the Christmas tree fires include:

• Electrical problems (33%)
• Heat source too close to the tree (20%)
• Decorative lights (13%)
• Candles (11%)

Help keep your tenants safe. Prepare a safety letter with fire prevention tips and make sure that each tenant gets one. Be sensitive to tenants’ various religious practices, and use non-denominational language.

Include the following tips in your notice:

• Follow the manufacturer’s directions for using holiday lights.
• Lights with loose cords, loose bulb connections and frayed, worn or broken cords should not be used.
• Lights should not be on when you are not at home. Unplug lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
• Never use candles on or near a tree.
• Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, space heaters and heat vents
• If using a live tree, cut several inches off the base of the trunk before placing it in the tree stand and water it daily. Recycle the tree when it begins dropping needles. Don’t leave a dried-out tree in a storage area or against the building.
• Make sure you have a working smoke detector. Contact the rental office if you need to have yours checked.

Check with your local fire department for additional tips. It only takes a few minutes to prepare this notice and to help your tenants stay safe during the holiday season. Avoid the tragedy of a house or apartment fire.