By Chantal Wagner

Fire prevention around the holidays

Dec 11, 2019 | 5:35 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 and it will be safe for your house.

According to Gramlich, if you forget to water your tree, let it dry out, and keep it up until January it can be a dangerous situation.

As for candles, anytime you have open flame you should have a stable base and keep flame away from decorations. If you leave a room the candle should be blown out.

When it comes to carbon monoxide safety, Gramlich says, “It’s important to have a working smoke alarm with CO sensor if there’s something going on with your furnace or if your chimney becomes blocked. The alarm will let you know there’s a problem and you can react appropriately.”

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You can get one device that has a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector. Gramlich reminds us to test your detector monthly and to make sure it is less than 10 years old.

“As for space heaters, the new ones you buy are pretty safe and will turn off if they tip over,” says Gramlich.

He adds, to make sure you are in the kitchen when you are cooking.

“Kitchen fires are the number one cause of home fires so we see a lot of near-misses, and occasionally it leads to a fire. Pay attention in the kitchen, it’s a busy time of year. Have fun, visit, but be safe as well.”

Gramlich adds the Medicine Hat Fire Department will be working over the holidays if you need the Fire Department call 911.