12 Days of Fire Safety

Fire can happen anywhere, at anytime, it most often strikes when we let our guard down - when we’re distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, by our cellphones, by the kids or by the doorbell.

Make it a Fire-Safe December to Remember!

Christmas Trees - Make sure the tree always has water – check the water level daily.

Cut your own tree or buy a fresh one that is not shredding needles.
Place your tree in a sturdy, non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits, and heat sources.

Cooking - Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires. Stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove

To prevent cooking fires, you must be alert. Avoid cooking when tired or when consuming alcohol, drugs or medicine that makes you drowsy.
Keep anything that burns—oven mitts, cooking utensils, dish cloths, paper towels and pot holders— a safe distance from the stove.
Wear short sleeves or roll up your sleeves while cooking.

Smokers’ Materials - Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires.

Ask smokers to smoke outside the home.
Use large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over.
Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
Do not carelessly toss cigarette butts off of 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.

Be Responsible - Use alcohol and recreational drugs responsibly.

Do not cook, smoke or drive while under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

Decorative Lights - Turn off and unplug all lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Check all sets of lights before decorating. Discard any sets that are frayed or damaged.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to be connected.
Lights, cords and decorations are rated for either indoor or outdoor use. Never use indoor rated items outdoors!
Keep all decorations at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from heating equipment or an open flame (candle, fireplace, portable heater etc.).

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

Consider installing a smoke alarm inside the bedroom.
Test smoke alarms during the holidays and every month.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
Replace batteries if needed.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms - Install working CO alarms beside all sleeping areas.

Test CO alarms during the holidays and every month.
Replace CO alarms according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Replace batteries if needed.

Have a Home Escape Plan - Create your escape plan with your family.

Have 2 ways out of every room if possible.
Go over the plan with everyone in your home. Identify people who may need help.
Know where to meet outside the front of your home.

Electrical Cords/Outlets - Don’t overload electrical outlets.

Replace frayed, cracked, nicked or damaged electrical cords.
Avoid running extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
Use an extension cord or power bar long enough for the job.
Extension cords and power bars are for temporary use only.
Never replace permanent wiring with an extension cord.

Portable Heaters - Unplug space heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.

Keep portable heaters at least 1 metre (3 Feet) away from anything that can burn.

Candles - Before leaving the room or going to bed, blow out candles.

Candles need adult supervision.
Use sturdy, safe candle holders.
Keep candles at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from anything that can burn.
Keep pets and children away from candles.

Matches - Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Place matches and lighters in a high, preferably locked, cabinet.

Take our Holiday Fire Safety Quiz