The holiday season has arrived and Delta Fire & Emergency Services want to share some safety tips with the community.
“Typically, the holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends and reflect on those things that are the most important to each of us. While this year has NOT been like any other year that we have experienced, members of your Delta Fire Department have continued to make your safety their priority and they are here for you 24/7,” says Capt. Brian Hogg with the department’s Fire Prevention Division.
“There should be nothing more important than providing a safe and secure home for your family. By following these simple, but often overlooked, safety tips you will be well on your way to a safe and happy holiday season.
The kitchen
Grease and fat fires are a leading cause of home fires in Canada, so be extra careful when doing this kind of cooking. Here’s what to do if grease in a pot or pan catches fire:
Smother the flames by covering the pan with a lid
Turn off the heat immediately
Use baking soda (flour can be explosive) on shallow grease fires
Never turn on the overhead fan, as this could spread the fire
Never throw water on a grease fire
The Christmas tree
Get a freshly cut tree. It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Try to pick a tree with a strong green colour and noticeable fragrance
Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high moisture content is safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt of the tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend not break; and the stump should be sticky with resin
Place the tree in a stand that will hold two to three litres of water and top it up daily. Make sure it is always immersed in water: If water drops below the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut. Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance
Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not block doors
Never use lighted candles on the tree
Remove the tree within 10 to 14 days. After that amount of time in a heated building, even the freshest tree can start to dry out
Decorations
Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive. If there are young children or pet in your home, avoid very small decorations
Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.
Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard
Lights
Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets
Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors
Inspect light strings/sets before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires and discard if faulty
Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact. Illuminate metallic trees with coloured floodlights placed at a safe distance from the tree and out of reach
Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the night or before leaving the house
Candles
Place candles away from absolutely anything that could catch fire
Never leave burning candles unattended
Burn them only when a responsible adult is overseeing the flame
Put candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from drafts, curtains, children and pets
Snuff them out before leaving the room or going to sleep
The fireplace
Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat
Don’t hang Christmas stockings from the mantle when the fireplace is in use
Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks
Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire
Use only seasoned and dried wood
Never leave the fire unattended or let it smolder
Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials
Don’t use Christmas trees for firewood
Electrical outlets
There is often a tendency to overload wall outlets during the holiday season. This is an unsafe practice and should be avoided even for short durations
Inspect all cords before using. Make sure they are CSA certified. Look for loose connections or frayed or exposed wires. Discard any defective cords. Read the labels and manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper use
Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact may cause overheating or shock
To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord which is in use and do not run it under carpets or rugs
Gift suggestions
Home smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide detector
Multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher
