Holiday Safety

Did you know? Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment.

As we know this is a special time of the year when families gather and spend time cooking and enjoying warm food. It is important to remember that when there is so much going on, fire safety is still important.

• Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop. It can be easy to get distracted, but we always want to look while we cook. No one likes a burnt dinner.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the stove.
• Don’t overuse electrical outlets with electric knives, coffer makers, mixer etc. as this could cause a surge in power or a fire. Use one device at a time or use different outlets.
• Always check smoke alarms by pressing the test button to ensure you and your family are safe.

Halloween is a night filled with candy and tons of excitement, but like anything it is always important to think about fire safety when sending our witches, goblins and monsters out for their spooky adventures.

• Instead of using real wick candles in your pumpkins, use battery operated candles. These will give the same creepy glow.
• Provide children with flashlights, glow sticks and reflectors to ensure they can be seen in the dark by other trick or treaters and cars.
• When choosing costumes, pick something that doesn’t drag on the ground to avoid tripping hazards. Also stay away from masks that could obstruct vision.

For many of us, the holidays involve friends, family, gifts, festivities, and food. However, these celebrations can pose some fire safety risks at home.

Being prepared in case there is an emergency will help to keep you, your family, and any visitors safe over the holiday season.

• Never use lit candles to decorate your Christmas tree.
• Consider battery operated candles which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
• Unplug all decorative lights on Christmas trees and around the house at night or when you leave the home.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with multiple plug-in decorations.
• Avoid having any extension cords under carpets, across door paths or near heat sources.
• Replace any string of lights that may be frayed.
• Ensure all decorations are not blocking any exits.
• If using a real Christmas tree remember trees need water to stay fresh and strong. Check water levels daily.
• Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy non-tip stand. While keeping it at least 3 feet (1 meter) from any type of heat source.
• Check all smoke and CO alarms and tell guests about your home escape plan.
• Never leave cooking unattended.