What is #GivingTuesday

Every first Tuesday of December, global charities, families, and businesses come together to support #GivingTuesday. #GivingTuesday was created as a movement to encourage charitable giving following such busy shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. At Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley, we see this as a perfect opportunity to further assist our clients. This year’s #GivingTuesday theme has not been announced, but take a look at what we did last year!

2013 Extinguishing Holiday Dangers theme - $1335 raised

The holiday and fall season bring with them extra fire safety hazards. Furnaces running, fireplaces blazing, and Christmas trees covered in lights can all cause tragic accidents. The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2006 and 2010, an average of 230 home fires were Christmas tree related. While not common, Christmas tree fires are likely to be serious.

Here are some facts about home holiday fires, according to the US Fire Administration:

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 40 reported home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every six of Christmas tree fires.
• More than half (56%) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Source: National Fire Protection Association