SASKATOON — As we approach the holiday season, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) wants to remind everyone about fire safety. The festive season is often a time for greater use of electric lights, candles, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves and live trees.
Following a few simple tips will help make sure you and your family can prevent a fire from ruining your holidays:
- Pick a tree with fresh green needles and make sure to water it daily. A dry tree can catch fire easily.
- Have an emergency escape plan and make sure your Christmas tree and other decorations are not blocking exits such as windows or doors.
- Check your holiday lights for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or loose bulb connections.
- Give your heater a metre. Clothes, curtains, furniture and other combustible objects that are too close to a heat source can catch fire.
- Watch what you heat. Unattended cooking can lead to a fire.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace the batteries every year and replace the alarm every 10 years.
- Avoid overloading circuits and electrical outlets. Too many plugs and extension cords can cause overheating and lead to a fire.
- Consider using flameless candles when decorating your home.
- Blow out a burning candle before you leave the room or before you go to bed. Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Make sure all electrical cords are tucked away and kept neat and tidy. When cords are exposed, pets can be tempted to chew on them, or people could trip and fall.
- Keep flammable objects away from the stove. Objects too close to the burner can catch fire.
- Turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home. Many electrical fires are started when outlets or wires overheat.
SFD encourages you to take extra safety precautions this holiday season to make sure your time with family and friends remains free of unwanted fires.
SFD wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
