Safe & Happy Holidays - Fire safety Tips

December 1^st, 2021 - Defence Stories

As we approach the holiday season, let’s keep it safe by following a few fire safety tips.

Home Fire Escape Plan –Take the time to make a home fire escape plan, and practice it; you never know when you and your family might need it.

Fireplace – Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Ensure the flue is open before lighting up. Avoid burning wrapping paper, which may create a dangerous flash fire.

Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Lighting – Using decorative lighting correctly can be the difference between happy holidays and having more than just chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Follow these Do’s and Don’ts on decorative lighting to prevent injuries and fires.

Do's

• Use lights with a safety certification (CSA, ULC, etc.).
• Replace old or damaged lights.
• Plug outdoor lights into a GFCI outlet.  
• Turn off the lights when going to bed or leaving the house.

Don'ts

• Use inside-only decorative lights outside.
• Use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• Run electrical cords through or across doorways or under carpets.
• Overload the circuit by plugging too many lights

Holiday Tree – Always place the tree out of the way of foot traffic and do not block doorways or exits to the outside.  Make sure the tree is well-secured in a sturdy stand, and place it away from any heat sources, including fireplaces and burning candles.

• Artificial Tree - Look for the "fire resistant" label, which indicates that the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• Real Tree – Make sure it’s green, the needles are difficult to pull from branches, and don’t break easily when bent. Cut a few inches off the trunk to expose fresh wood, allowing better water absorption, and preventing the tree from drying out prematurely. Immediately dispose of the tree as soon as the holidays are over, or when the tree is dried out.

The Canadian Forces Fire Marshal’s office wishes you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.