DID YOU KNOW?
The Christmas Season should be a safe and merry time; but fire has no respect for happy occasions. It can strike with fury when least expected. Fire can be a dangerous enemy, and December is a leading month for home fires, which is largely due to the activities we engage in during this season.
In addition, the Christmas Season brings temptations for many parents and caregivers—while visiting with friends or completing last-minute shopping—to leave small children unattended for short periods of time.
At the same time, decorations, trees, lit-candles, and wrapping paper etc. bring an increased threat of fire danger unless constant care is exercised. Parents and caregivers must recognize the FIRE DANGER of the season, and remember to never leave small children alone in the home even for a moment.
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN—CREATE A SAFETY ZONE
- Designate a “Kids-Free Zone” that is at least one metre (3 feet) away from the stove.
COOKING SAFETY—LOOK WHILE YOU COOK
- Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires along with having flammable items such as oven mitts, dish towels, paper towels etc. too close to the stovetop.
- LOOK WHILE YOU COOK: Never leave cooking unattended, as well as children unattended in the kitchen; if you have to leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time—turn off the stove.
- Wear tight-fitted clothing or roll up your sleeves before cooking; long-hair needs to be pulled back away from the face and tied into a bun or a ponytail before using a stove.
- Loose dangling clothing can easily catch fire, as well as loose dangling clothing and jewelry can even hook onto a pot/pan handle and spill its hot contents, which could result in a serious burn injury.
- Remember, TURN POT/PAN HANDLES INWARD, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.
HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING—TWO WAYS OUT
- Santa needs one way out of your home—you need two!
- Give your family a gift of peace of mind with a home fire escape plan; have two ways out of your home to ensure your loved ones are prepared for the worst so you can focus on the best … festive cheer!
HEATING SOURCES—GIVE THEM SPACE
- Space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces are all great ideas until an incident happens.
- Keep at least one metre (3 feet) distance between your heat source and things that can burn, such as paper/wrapping paper/Christmas cards, and fabrics.
MATCHES & LIGHTERS—KEEP THEM OUT OF SIGHT & REACH
- Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
- Matches and lighters can be deadly in the hands of children.
- Keep all fire-starting materials out of sight and reach of children; store them in a high cabinet, preferably a locked one.
- Children as young as two years old have been able to operate lighters and start fires with them!
SMOKING SAFETY—ALWAYS SMOKE OUTSIDE
- Careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires in Canada.
- Encourage all smokers to smoke outside.
- Always, use large deep sturdy ashtrays that can’t be knocked over.
- DO NOT discard ashes and butts in vegetation such as potted plants, mulch, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves, or other things that could easily ignite.
- Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out; douse them in water or sand.
- Additionally, empty ashes and butts into a metal container that has a lid and store outside.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES—MONITOR WHEN CHARGING
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries power many devices, such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, mobility scooters, e-scooters/bikes, power tools, toys, and electric vehicles etc.
- Certified Li-ion batteries are generally safe when properly charged, used, and disposed of.
- However, overcharged, modified, or damaged Li-ion batteries can be a fire hazard and may even explode.
- Remember, always monitor the Li-ion device when it is charging; read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe charging, and do not exceed the recommended charging time!
ONE LAST TIDBIT—WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES
- Check to ensure you have WORKING SMOKE ALARMS in your home now!
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Safety—it starts with you folks.
