To ensure the holiday season remains a time of celebration for you and your family, Oshawa Fire Services reminds residents to follow these important fire prevention tips:
Christmas Trees
• Real Christmas trees should be kept fresh and full of water.
• Keep trees away from all heat sources and make sure your tree doesn’t block any doorways.
• Never place lit candles on or near the Christmas tree.
Christmas Lights
• Carefully inspect new and previously used Christmas light strings and replace any damaged lights or frayed wires prior to plugging the lights in.
• Remember not to overload extension cords.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
Candles
• Keep candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces with a glass chimney or shade over it.
• Always be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
• For added protection, install a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are required by law to be installed outside any sleeping areas.
Holiday Cooking Safety
• Clear the stove area of items that might catch fire easily.
• Try to use the back burners as much as possible; when using front burners, remember to turn the pot handles inwards.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby.