Holiday fire safety tips

Canada Safety Council is encouraging all Canadians and their families to make fire safety a key component in any holiday plans. Whether it is ensuring the Christmas tree is properly watered, to hanging fire-safe ornaments, to not overloading electrical outlets, there are a number of steps Canadians can take to avoid a holiday disaster.

Here are a few simple safety tips to keep homes fire-safe during the holidays:

The Christmas tree 

• When purchasing a real tree, check for freshness by tapping it on the ground – dropping needles indicate a dry, highly flammable tree. Needles should be hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, they do not break.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it’s ‘fire resistant.’ Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. It should also bear the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) label.
• Place the tree away from fireplaces, floor heaters and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry out fresh trees, so be sure to keep the stand filled with water by topping it up daily.
• Never use lighted candles on or near the tree.
• Dispose of a real tree within 10 to 14 days of purchase, or when the needles begin to fall off in large quantities; otherwise it can start to dry out and pose a fire hazard.

The fireplace 

• Ensure the chimney flue is open and clean before lighting a fire.
• Remove all decorations that could be burned such as stockings from around the fireplace.
• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result, as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
• Never leave the fire unattended or let it smoulder.
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials.
• Do not use Christmas trees for firewood. Only use seasoned and dried wood.
• Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.

Decorations 

• Choose decorations that are flame-resistant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
• Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.
• When decorating the tree, place breakable ornaments on the higher limbs. It will protect your children and pets as well as safeguard the breakables.
• Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.

Lights 

• Use CSA-approved lights only. Place indoor and outdoor lights in their respective environments.
• Use proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/ sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.
• New or old, check light strings for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Make sure this is done before putting lights up. It is much easier to replace bulbs on the ground, than on the roof.
• Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact.
• Turn off all lights before going to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Do not overload electrical outlets, and never string more than three sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact may cause overheating or shock.
• To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord which is in use and do not run it under carpets or rugs.

Candles  

• Place candles away from absolutely anything that could catch fire.
• Never leave burning candles unattended, and always keep out of reach of children.
• Keep candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from curtains, trees or any other potentially flammable objects.
• To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible.
• Put out all candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.  

The kitchen 

• Never leave cooking unattended. This is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.
• Make sure items that can catch fire, such as paper towels, are kept away from the stove.
• Use a timer to indicate whether the stove or oven is on when roasting or baking food.
• In case of a fire, never turn on the overhead fan – this could spread the fire.
• If a fire can’t be quickly put out, leave the home and immediately call the fire department from a safe location.
• Smother flames by covering the pan with a lid.
• Use baking soda (flour can be explosive) on shallow grease fires.
• Never throw water on a grease fire.

Fire escape plan 

Every household in Canada should have an emergency plan in order to react quickly if a fire were to occur.

Knowing exactly what to do can save precious seconds in the event of a real emergency.

The Canada Safety Council recommends these steps to prepare for a family fire drill: 

• Draw a floor plan of the house showing all possible exits.
• Mark two ways out of each room.
• Establish a meeting place outside the house.
• Be sure each family member has the plan and knows the escape route.
• Post the fire escape plan on the fridge or family bulletin board.
• Hold a fire drill once or twice a year. Vary the drills, to practise escaping from different fire sources.

Smoke alarms 

Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the house.

Make sure to change the batteries in all smoke alarms twice a year. Also, it is important to test and clean the smoke alarm on a regular basis. Test the smoke alarm monthly by pressing the test button and holding until the alarm sounds.

Clean the smoke alarm every six months. To clean, open the cover and gently vacuum the interior of it. Put the cover back and make sure the alarm is working.

The lifespan of a typical smoke alarm is about 10 years, but some may last as little as five.

Fire extinguishers 

Many people have a fire extinguisher, but they may not have the slightest idea when it comes to using one.

Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it’s just as important to have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend three extinguishers in the home. One extinguisher for the kitchen, one for the basement and one for the garage.

If there’s a fire, get everyone outside and call the fire department. Only then should people attempt to fight a small fire. If the fire becomes too large, get out. Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires, not large ones.

Take every precaution to ensure this holiday season is one that is safe and happy.

Happy holidays from everyone at Global!