As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, keep fire safety in mind.
“While fire can happen anywhere, at any time, it most often strikes when we let our guard down,” said Deputy Chief Dave Pelayo. “Don’t let your holiday celebrations turn into a tragedy – stay fire safe.”
Most fires start in the kitchen. Distractions while cooking is the number one cause of home fires, so if you are cooking, please stay in the kitchen while preparing food.
Smoking is another leading cause of fires during the holiday season. “Make sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in large deep ashtrays – not in plant pots which may contain peat moss or shredded bark that can easily ignite,” continued Paleyo. “Ashes should be emptied in a metal container – not the garbage can – and put outside.”
Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working. Install smoke alarms on every story of your home and outside all sleeping areas. CO alarms are required outside all bedrooms. Test your smoke and CO alarms every month and install new batteries if needed.
Enjoy a fire safe holiday season by following these 12 Days of Holiday Safety Tips.
- Water fresh cut trees daily.
- Use the proper lights, and check for frayed or damaged cords.
- Have working smoke alarms.
- Have working carbon monoxide alarms.
- Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home.
- Extension cords are for temporary use; don’t overload outlets – they can overheat and start a fire.
- Keep decorations 1 metre away from space heaters or other heating sources.
- Let’s go flameless – use battery operated candles.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- If you smoke, smoke outside.
- Don’t cook while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis.
Follow the town on Facebook and Twitter for holiday fire safety videos (12 Days of Holiday Safety).
For more information on smoke alarms, fire safety and home escape plans, please contact Caledon Fire and Emergency Services at 905-584-2272 x.4303 or visit caledon.ca/fire.
The post Holiday Fire Safety appeared first on Just Sayin' Caledon.