Keep your home safety this holiday season
There’s no place like home for the holidays.
To ensure the holiday season remains a time of celebration for you and your family, Oshawa Fire Services reminds community members 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 level of your home 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.