The following home heating safety tips were provided by Fire Prevention Officer Carl Prochilo of the Collingwood Fire Department.
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With the holiday season fast approaching everyone is starting to get out Christmas decorations to decorate their homes inside as well as outside. Not only are people starting to decorate but they are starting to buy presents, make gingerbread houses, discussing who gets to host the family gatherings, as well as other festive activites.
With all these different activities this time of year it can be very busy and stressful. A way to help make this holiday season less stressful is to be proactive on fire safety. This will help you feel less stressed as your family members and guests safety won’t be a concern. Here are some fire safety tips to keep in mind while you decorate your home.
Christmas Lights
Before you start decorating with any Christmas lights, make sure you check each cord closely and if you find any that are damaged or frayed in any way, discard them.
Christmas Tree
If you have a real tree, it is essential that you water it daily – the base of the trunk must be submerged in water at all times. In addition, keep your tree away from heat sources like fireplace, candles or heaters.
Smoke Alarms
Have you checked to make sure your fire alarm was working lately? Fire alarms must be replaced every 10 years. In Ontario, it is mandatory to have a fire alarm on every storey of your home, and there must be one outside of every sleeping area.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon Monoxide alarms must be replaced every seven to 10 years depending on the manufacturer and are essential in every home with gas or wood appliance. They protect you against carbon monoxide which is a very dangerous deadly gas as it is invisible and odorless. This holiday season protects your family and guests.
Extension Cords
If you are using approved extension cords due to your additional Christmas decor, please remember they are only to be used temporarily. If you are using one this holiday season, do not place cords under anything flammable i.e. rugs. Use a certified ULC power bar when possible.
Fire Escape Plan
If you have family and friends staying over during the holidays, be sure to outline the fire escape plan for your house. If you have children, establish a buddy system so that each child knows which adult they are to exit the house safely with in the case of an emergency.
Space Heaters
If during the chilly winter nights, you use a space heater to warm up, remember they must be one metre away from anything that is flammable, such as decorations, Christmas tree, blankets, etc. Ensure the heater is turned off when leaving the house or going to bed.
Candle Safety
The best place to burn a candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface. So, in addition to keeping your candle in sight, you should find an area away from children, pets, windows or drafts and flammable materials (like furniture, curtains, carpeting, paper, etc.). Make sure all candles are out if you're leaving the room, house or going to bed for the night. This will help reduce the risk of candle catastrophes.
Collingwood Fire Department wants to promote holiday fire safety by presenting the 12 Days of Holiday Safety. This campaign promotes fire safety by presenting a holiday fire safety tip every day for you to take action in your home going from Dec. 12 to Dec. 23.
