Don’t invite disaster to your holiday celebrations.
The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind everyone that by taking a few simple precautions during the holidays, you will ensure your holiday season will be a safe and happy one.
•Cooking
Look while you cook—unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking, and keep all combustible materials a safe distance from the stove.
•Alcohol
Cooking or smoking while under the influence of alcohol can be deadly. Keep a close eye on any drinkers in your household, and make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished and the stove is off before going to bed.
•Candles
Keep candles in a sturdy holder away from children, pets, and combustible materials. Snuff them out before leaving the room.
•Christmas trees
Buy a fresh tree and keep the base of the trunk in water at all times. Discard any broken or frayed sets of lights. Lit candles should never be placed on or near the Christmas tree.
When the tree starts to dry out, it’s time to throw it away.
•Space heaters
Keep portable heaters at least one metre away from anything that can burn, including you.
•Heating appliances
Remember to have your furnace inspected each year by a licensed technician. Your chimney also should be cleaned and inspected annually to prevent problems that may cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.
A carbon monoxide alarms will alert you to the presence of this deadly gas.
•Smoke alarms
It is the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms. The fire service recommends you install one on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
Test your alarms regularly and change the batteries at least once a year.
•Home escape plan
Develop a fire escape plan and practise it with your entire family.
These fire safety tips have been brought to you by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
