While fire can happen at any time, it most often strikes when we let our guard down – when we’re distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, by our cellphones, by the kids or by the doorbell.
This holiday season, practice fire safety by following these tips:
Always stay in the kitchen when something is cooking on the stove; never leave a cooking pot unattended.
Place lit candles away from anything that can burn and out of the reach of children and pets where they can’t be knocked over and remember to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Consider using battery-operated or electric flameless candles.
Make sure the base of real trees is always immersed in water to prevent them from getting too dry.
Check all sets of decorative lights before putting them up and discard any sets that are damaged.
Use and dispose of lithium ion batteries in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
Develop and practice a home fire escape plan so everyone in your home knows what to do if the smoke or CO alarms sound.
For more information
Matt Valeriote
Assistant Chief Fire Prevention Officer
Guelph Fire Department
519-822-1260 extension 2136
