The holidays are a time for celebration with family and friends.
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READ: How to stay safe from carbon monoxide
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Unfortunately, they are also a time when preventable fires and injuries increase across Canada-and our community is no exception.
Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services wants to share these holiday safety tips to keep your loved ones, pets, and home protected:
The kitchen is the leading area for house fires, especially during major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
– Never leave cooking unattended. Turn off the stove if you need to step away.
– Keep flammable items like paper towels, cloth grocery bags, and potholders at a safe distance from the stove.
– Keep a pot lid nearby to smother grease fires. Never use water to extinguish them.
The holidays often bring new electronic devices into the home. Rechargeable, lithium-ion battery devices can pose fire risks if not handled properly.
– Ensure all electronics are used and charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety recommendations.
– Purchase electronics from reputable retailers and look for Canadian certified safety icons on the packaging (CSA, UL, or ETL Intertek).
– Use the charging cables with come with the product or purchase replacements directly from the manufacturer.
– If the battery is damaged, swollen, or overheating, stop using it immediately.
Unbox with Fire and Life Safety Educator, Kelli, to learn a little bit about what you should look for when purchasing electronics. Watch this video to learn about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries:
Whether you choose a live or artificial tree, taking the right precautions can prevent a fire. * Water your real tree, daily. A dry tree can ignite within seconds – watch this video!
– When purchasing an artificial tree, look for one labeled as fire-resistant.
– Position your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, and candles.
As cold temperatures set in, many people rely on portable heaters to stay warm.
– Maintain a three-foot clearance around the heater, free of flammable items like curtains, furniture, and decorations.
– Always turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to bed.
– Only use heaters with a CSA, UL, or ETL Intertek safety certification, and avoid plugging them into extension cords.
Holiday decorations add cheer but can also increase fire hazards if not used safely.
– Check string lights for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections before use.
– Always unplug decorative lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
– Place candles on flat surfaces and keep them away from flammable items. Consider using battery-operated LED candles instead.
Spend this holiday with family, not in a waiting room.
In case of an emergency call 911.
For more holiday fire safety tips and resources, visit MedicineHat.ca/fire.
