​BRAMPTON, ON (December 1, 2022) – Brampton Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents of the importance of being safe this holiday season with its annual 12 Days of Fire Safety campaign, sponsored by Enbridge.

Fires can happen anywhere, at any time, but most often strike when our guard is let down, like when the holiday hustle and bustle create distractions. Brampton Fire and Emergency Services has safety tips around 12 topics to keep in mind this season:

Day 1: Christmas Trees
Make sure the tree always has water – check the water level daily.

Day 2: Decorative Lights
Turn off and unplug all lights and decorations before leaving the home or going to bed.

Day 3: Smoke Alarms
Install working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

Day 4: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Install working CO alarms beside ALL sleeping areas.

Day 5: Home Escape Plans
Create an escape plan with your family.

Day 6: Electrical Cords/Outlets
Do not overload electrical outlets.

Day 7: Portable Heaters
Unplug portable heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.

Day 8: Candles
Before leaving the room or going to bed, blow out candles.

Day 9: Matches
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Day 10: Cooking
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires. STAY in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove.

Day 11: Smokers' Materials
Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires. Use large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over. Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Do not carelessly toss cigarettes off balconies. Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which may contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite. Never smoke in bed. Before you dispose of butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Put them in water or sand. Empty ashes into a metal container – not the garbage can – and put it outside. Avoid smoking when drowsy or under the influence of alcohol – alcohol is a factor in many smoking-related fires.

Day 12: Be Responsible
Use alcohol and recreational drugs responsibly. Do not cook, smoke, or drive while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

Read more on how to stay fire safe this holiday season here.


Quotes
“Tis’ the season for family, friends, and celebration, and with the holiday rush comes inevitable distractions. Brampton residents are reminded to celebrate safely. By keeping these tips from Brampton Fire and Emergency Services in mind, you can ensure your holidays are not just fun but safe, too.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Give the gift of safety to yourself, your family and your friends this year. By following Brampton Fire and Emergency Services’ 12 Days of Fire Safety tips, you can help ensure the holiday season is enjoyed by all, safely.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“This time of year is full of fun and festivities, but it is important that even while busy, we all keep fire safety top of mind. Visit www.bramptonfire.com to review our 12 Days of Fire Safety tips to ensure you and your family have a safe and festive holiday season.”
- Bill Boyes, Fire Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services

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