The holiday season marks a special time for families and friends to get together, but it's also a time for greater risk of fire.
The celebration of the season brings with it increased use of electric lights, decorations, and candles - all of which can be potential fire hazards. By following a few simple tips, you can ensure a happy and fire-safe Holiday Season.
Holiday Lights and Decorations
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to touch.
Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!
Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
Holiday Entertaining
Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
Picking the Christmas tree
If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
If you prefer a natural tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the Christmas tree
Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 3-5 cm from the base of the trunk.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the Christmas tree
Use lights that have a label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
Consider replacing older style lights with the new LED lights.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Candles
Remember that a candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any combustible nearby.
Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep candles away from items that can catch fire (e.g. clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations).
Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Don't place lit candles in windows where blinds and curtains can close over them.
Do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
The North Battleford Fire Department asks that you practice fire safety at all times by having a plan to escape your home in the event of a fire, practise that plan, install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and on every floor of your home and to test your smoke alarms at least monthly.
We wish you a joyous and safe holiday season!
