Smoke/CO detector (photo courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Chantal Wagner

Fire prevention around the holidays and winter season

Dec 23, 2020 | 3:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Fire Department has a few safety reminders for the holiday season.

Fire Prevention Officer Carter Gramlich says if you have a fresh-cut Christmas tree, the biggest thing is to keep it watered.

As for candles, anytime you have an open flame you should have a stable base and keep the flame away from decorations.

If you are cooking, set timers and be cautious in the kitchen.

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And he says to make sure cords and portable space heaters are in good condition while keeping them away from combustibles.

Gramlich reminds us of the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the year.

“If you have a working smoke alarm you’re protected, your family gets the early warning and has time to get out safely. If you are going to go out and buy a smoke alarm look for one that has a ten-year battery rather than having to replace the 9-volt batteries all the time. You can get a smoke and carbon monoxide combination unit that comes with a ten-year battery. You still have to test it regularly.”

Gramlich says the cost for the combination units are a little more up-front, but it will help you stay fire safe.

You can also get devices that are connected to your smartphone.

As for frozen pipes, don’t use an open flame to try and thaw them out.

“Every year we seem to have a couple of incidents where somebody is thawing a frozen pipe and ignites a fire,” he said.