Christmas is right around the corner, and while you are busy preparing, the team at B+M Restorations would like to remind you of some simple safety tips to get you through the holiday season disaster free.

Holiday Tip 1:
1. Locate Fire Extinguishers in your home
2. Check expiration tag or meter, and replace if needed
3. Read and follow instructions prior to an emergency situation
4. Keep Fire Extinguishers on hand and remember storage locations for future incidents
If you see any of the following, it may be time to replace your Fire Extinguisher:
• Handle is broken, loose, or wobble
• Hose or nozzle has cracks, rips, or blockage from debris
• Locking pin on handle is missing or seal is broken
• Sticker or hang tag is expired, or checkups and maintenance records are missing

Holiday Tip 2:

Winter weather is in full force and your heater is doing its job to keep you snuggly and warm. Even though you are very busy preparing for the holidays, take time for #SafetyFirst and check your smoke detectors.

1. Locate smoke alarms, test batteries, and replace as needed.
2. If you don’t know the last time you replaced your smoke alarm, it may be time for a new one.
3. It’s best to have a smoke alarm in every room to ensure maximum coverage, basements and attics are no exception.
4. While redecorating for the holidays, remember not to paint or cover smoke alarms. This could cause the unit to malfunction or operate poorly.
5. If you don’t have a smoke alarm, get one ASAP!

Holiday Tip 3:

Our last safety post was a reminder about checking your smoke detectors. It is also important to think about the potential hazards which stem from the use of candles throughout the season. Here is a tip that you should know:

1. Always keep a burning candle in sight and extinguish the flame before leaving the room. Never burn a candle while sleeping!
2. Keep candles away from furniture, bedding, drapes, carpets, books, paper, decorations, and anything that can catch fire. Be mindful of children and pets, and place candles out of harms way.
3. Always use a candle holder as they should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
4. Never touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquid and never burn candles all the way down to the base. Leave enough wax and wick so the holder does not overheat and cause the candle to collapse.
Decoration Safety
The enjoyment of a Christmas tree and Christmas decorations at your home or office can often be taken for granted. Do you follow safety rules when putting up your decorations? Here are some simple safety tips to remember during the holidays.

1. Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
2. When lighting the Christmas tree, pay attention to indoor/outdoor use.
3. Don’t overload your sockets and or use more than 3 light strands in a row.
4. A dry tree can catch fire easily, so be sure to water your Christmas tree everyday.
5. Turn off your tree lights before bed or while you are away from home.