The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for house fires.
I honestly can say that all fire and rescue services in Rainy River District are urging all residents to practice the following holiday fire safety tips and make holiday safety a priority this year.
Following these tips will help to keep everyone in the community safe from fire:
- Water fresh trees daily.
- Check all sets of lighting before decorating to ensure they are in good condition.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms.
- Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms.
- Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely if a fire occurs.
- Use extension cords wisely.
- Give space heaters space.
- When you go out, blow out all candles.
- Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.
- Watch what you heat! Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
- Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
- Keep a close eye on anyone in your household who consumes alcohol while cooking or smoking.
A house fire during the holidays is particularly devastating, and that is why all of the firefighters in Rainy River District are asking everyone to follow the above holiday fire safety tips.
It is extremely important to install working smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside the bedrooms.
If you don’t have these life-saving devices, make them an “open early” gift of safety to your family.
A carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home also is an important device to have.
Remember to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms regularly to make sure they work.
Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old and carbon monoxide alarms over seven years old.
Safety—we can all make a difference!
Tyler J. Moffitt is a part-time firefighter and emergency responder, as well as a continuous improvement advocate.
