HOLIDAY LIGHTS
? Inspect all holiday lights for excessive wear, frayed wires and broken or cracked sockets before putting them up.
? Only use lighting with an approved testing laboratory sticker.
? Do not overload electrical outlets or link more than three light strands together.
? Turn lights off before going to bed or leaving home.
CHRISTMAS TREES
? Choose a fresh tree that is not shedding needles. It should have a strong green color and noticeable fragrance.
? Cut about three centimetres off the butt end to open up the tree stem and allow water intake. Place the tree in a stand that will hold two to three litres of water and top it off daily. If water drops below the end of the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut.
? Keep trees away from all sources of heat to prevent the tree from drying out. This includes fireplaces, radiators, furnace ducts, televisions sets, and windows with direct exposure to the sun. A dry tree can easily ignite from heat, flame or sparks.
The best protection for a tree is moisture, so it is important that it receives a continuous supply of water.
? Discard your tree promptly when it becomes dry. The best way to dispose of your tree is at a recycling or community tree-chipping centre. Do not leave a dry tree outside. It is a fire hazard.
CANDLE SAFETY
? Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and away from any combustible materials.
? Put candles in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
? Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree.
? Never go to bed or leave the house when candles are burning.
HOME SAFETY
? Remember to practise "EDITH" - Exit Drill In The Home. Families are encouraged to practice their home's exit drills, especially before the holiday season.
? Make sure you locate smoke alarms on every level of your home. Check the batteries monthly by using the alarm test button. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound an alarm, giving you precious time to escape.
? The burn fund recommends that every smoke alarm be replaced after 10 years of use.
? Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and first aid kits make practical holiday gifts.
For more information or to make a donation, visit burnfund.org.
SOURCE: THE B.C. PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS' BURN FUND
TOY TIPS
As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Government of Canada is encouraging consumers to put safety first when buying children's toys.
RECOMMENDED SAFETY TIPS:
? Always supervise children at play and teach them how to use toys safely.
? Select toys suitable for the child's age group, and make sure to read and follow all instructions provided with the toy.
? When preparing your toy shopping list, check the Government of Canada's recalls and safety alerts database for recalled toys.
? When purchasing riding toys, like scooters, skates, skis or snowboards as a gift, give the appropriate safety gear, too. Appropriate helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times, and they should be sized to fit.
? Toys with small, loose parts can be dangerous for children under three years of age or older children who are still putting things in their mouths. Keep them out of reach.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TOY SAFETY, VISIT THE HEALTHY CANADIANS WEBSITE.
SOURCE: HEALTH CANADA
Visitors to Bright Nights in Stanley Park can bring in their holiday lights for free recycling. For each string recycled, BC Hydro will donate $2 to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
