Courtesy: YouTube

By Darren Rathwell

Preventing tragedy: Medicine Hat Fire officials offer holiday safety tips

Dec 8, 2021 | 5:57 PM

Along with all the bright lights and glad tidings during this time of year, there are also plenty of risks.

The Medicine Hat Fire Department has some advice in order to ensure things stay safe while you’re celebrating this holiday season.

One concern is a silent killer from your furnace.

“As we get into the colder season we’re worried about carbon monoxide. People’s furnaces are running more often, so there’s also potential for vents to be blocked by snow or ice, so (ensure) you have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your residence,” fire inspection officer Carter Gramlich said.

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His tips also include double checking all the wires that may be attached to your Christmas lights, as well as the wire connected to your vehicle’s block heater, to ensure they’re in good shape and not frayed.

As well, keep candles away from anything that might easily catch fire, like wrapping paper or tinsel.

Holiday cheer can also lead to accidents during meal preparation, so extra care is called for in the kitchen.

If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it doesn’t dry out and become a fire hazard.

Gramlich also cautions not to try and thaw frozen pipes with open flames, a method that has started fires in the past.