Durham Region Fire Services and Kawartha Lakes Fire and Emergency Services have partnered with Enbridge Gas to promote 12 Days of Holiday Safety on local radio stations.
Yesterday was the first day of the campaign with the focus on ‘water fresh trees daily’.
Community members can listen to KX96 New Country FM, 94.9 the Rock, 107.7FM and 1580AM CKDO from December 9–23 to hear the holiday safety campaign.
The campaign focuses on carbon monoxide safety tips and holiday fire prevention reminders. Oshawa Fire Services is encouraging community members to take the radio messages to heart, as they include vital tips and information that could save the lives of loved ones, including:
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
- Real Christmas trees should be kept fresh and full of water.
- When large amounts of needles fall, it’s time to get rid of the tree.
- Keep trees away from all heat sources.
- Make sure your tree doesn’t block any doorways.
- Never place lit candles on or near the Christmas tree.
Festive Lights
- Carefully inspect new and previously used 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.
- Always be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Consider battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
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.
- Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they are 10 years old.
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 inward.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Avoid cooking while consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Home Sweet Home
- Develop and practise a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home.
- Ensure all members of your household know two ways out of every room.
- Keep space heaters 1 metre away from combustible objects or anything that can burn.
- Smoke outside.