The holiday season in Tulsa is an exciting time for households. From family gatherings in South Tulsa homes to festive decorations in Midtown, the local environment is extremely vibrant as the end of the year approaches, but the season also leads to an increase in fire hazards. As holiday cooking, decorative lights, and open flames from candles become commonplace, many homes are vulnerable to fires and ensuing damage. If you own a home in Tulsa, learning more about holiday fire hazards and local climate factors can prevent catastrophe.
Why Holiday Fire Hazards Increase in Tulsa Homes
Because Tulsa’s December-January weather is typically dry and cold, the chance of fire spread is high during the holiday season. Many households use heaters, electric decorations, and scented candles daily, increasing the likelihood of a fire. Homes in older Tulsa neighborhoods contain outdated wiring or HVAC systems and are vulnerable to electrical malfunctions.
The Most Common Causes of Holiday Fires
- Cooking Accidents: Kitchen mishaps can result in severe fire and smoke damage. Unattended stovetops and ovens during holiday meal prep create fire risks and may result in injury. Other common causes of kitchen fires include deep frying near flammable materials and grease fires from stovetop spills.
- Candle Mishaps: Candles left burning overnight or near flammable decorations are fire and safety hazards that should be addressed immediately. Open flames should never be unattended, and pets may knock over hot wax and cause fire to spread throughout a home.
- Electrical Décor Issues: Electrical failures and malfunctions during the holiday season are common. Overloaded outlets or extension cords may be unable to handle lights, inflatable objects, and other seasonal decorations.
High-Risk Areas in the Home to Monitor
Keeping track of appliances and open flames can prevent fires, but there are many high-risk areas that should be closely watched during the holiday season. Throughout the day, check your kitchen to confirm the stove and oven have been turned off. Living rooms with fireplaces should be closely monitored when flames are present, and avoid leaving space heaters running unattended for long periods.
Tulsa Neighborhoods Where Fire Safety Is Especially Important
Fire safety is essential in all communities, but many homes in Tulsa are especially susceptible to fire and smoke damage. If you live in any of the following areas, invest time in upgrading the safety of your home:
- Historic areas like Maple Ridge and Swan Lake with older electrical systems
- Suburbs such as Broken Arrow and Jenks, with larger homes hosting large gatherings
- Downton Tulsa apartments, where close living quarters can increase fire spread
Practical Fire Prevention Tips for the Holidays
- Never leave cooking unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby
- Use flameless candles or place real ones in glass holders away from décor
- Limit extension cord usage; check light strands for damage before use
- Water real Christmas trees daily to prevent drying out
- Turn off all decorations before going to bed or leaving the house
What to Do if a Fire Starts
If a fire starts in your home, immediately evacuate your family and contact first responders. Close doors behind you to slow the spread of flames, and avoid using water to extinguish grease fires. Instead, use a lid or extinguisher to fight flames if it is safe to do so. Lastly, contact a professional restoration service as soon as the fire has been suppressed. Quickly beginning the restoration process can save money by preventing avoidable repairs.
How Local Professionals Can Help During Fire Season
Partnering with a local restoration team is the best way to rehabilitate your home after a fire. Restoration professionals familiar with the greater Tulsa area understand the structural layouts of Tulsa homes, and we respond quickly to service requests. Whether you need an inspection, repair, or full-scale reconstruction, our contractors restore your home while preventing secondary damage due to the snowfall or hail.
A Partner You Can Trust When Fire Strikes
As a Tulsa homeowner, you may feel overwhelmed by the aftermath of a house fire, especially if it occurs during the holidays. If your home is affected by lingering smoke odors, structural damage, and chemical residue, our local restoration experts are here to help. We provide fast, effective help when it’s needed most, and we help homeowners navigate the stress of residential restoration. We work with you and your insurance provider to get your life back on track and restore the integrity of your residence.
Our insurance coordination services work in tandem with our repairs and reconstruction efforts to ensure you have everything you need to recover from a fire. From Brookside bungalows to new construction in South Tulsa, our experienced fire damage restoration team understands local architectural styles, including historic homes. Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and our damage mitigation efforts secure damaged properties while we create a custom restoration plan.
Keep the Season Bright Without the Fire Risk
Preventing fire hazards is one of the best gifts you can give your family this holiday season. Stay mindful with décor, smart with cooking, and cautious with candles. If you ever face a fire emergency, don’t hesitate to connect with professionals who understand the unique needs of Tulsa homes. At ServiceMaster by RSI – Tulsa, our mobile technicians prevent holiday fire hazards and address damage if chaos occurs. For more information on how our services can restore your home, call us today at 580-203-6313 to speak to a team member. To request a free quote, click here to access our contact form.
