The holiday season is a time for families and friends to get together, but it can also mean a greater risk for fire.
A recent joint press release noted that with December festivities upon us, the three North Shore fire departments encourage residents and businesses to consider the following safety tips to ensure a happy and safe holiday season.
Candles
Candle-related fires are a year-round concern in B.C. homes. These concerns escalate during the winter holidays. Keep your home safe this holiday season by using care and caution with candles.
. Always monitor open flames and candles, especially if children or pets are present.
. Keep candles away from curtains, decorations, clothing, windows and drafts.
. Cut candlewicks short to prevent high flame.
. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room.
Decorations
. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
. Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
. Turn off light strings before leaving a room or going to bed.
Smoke Alarms
. Smoke alarms give your family an early warning of smoke and fire. Plan and practise your home fire escape plan to ensure a fire-safe holiday for your family and guests. Consider giving the life-saving gift of a smoke alarm this holiday season.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless, colourless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a long period of time or by a large amount of CO over a short period of time.
. Install a CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
. Have a qualified technician inspect chimneys and vents on an annual basis.
