The holidays can be a jolly good time if dangers from tree-trimming to cooking the big dinner are avoided.
According to Langford Fire Rescue, many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of home fires.
B次元官网网址淎s everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,B次元官网网址� said Kerry Zado, deputy chief of Langford Fire Rescue. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 when home fires are more likely to occur. B次元官网网址� By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented.B次元官网网址�
The season can stay festive and safe with minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating.
Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop, and turn it off when you leave the room, even if itB次元官网网址檚 for a short period of time. When simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that youB次元官网网址檙e cooking. Langford Fire Rescue also suggests creating a B次元官网网址渒id-free zoneB次元官网网址� of at least one metre around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared.
December is also the peak month for home candle fires. Langford Fire Rescue encourages West Shore residents to consider using flameless candles. With traditional candles, keep them at least 30 centimetres from anything flammable and remember to blow them out when you leave the room. Use sturdy candle holders that wonB次元官网网址檛 tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom and never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
B次元官网网址淭he holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,B次元官网网址� Zado said. B次元官网网址淏y taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.B次元官网网址�
Tree tips
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees.
B次元官网网址� If you have an artificial tree, be sure itB次元官网网址檚 labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
B次元官网网址� For a fresh tree, make sure the green needles donB次元官网网址檛 fall off when touched; cut an inch or two from the base of the trunk and be sure to water it daily.
B次元官网网址� Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least a metre from any heat source.
B次元官网网址� Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. B次元官网网址� Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
B次元官网网址� Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
B次元官网网址� Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
B次元官网网址� After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
B次元官网网址ring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
B次元官网网址� Visit www.nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips.
