December through January is a most wonderful time of year for many in our municipality, involving cooking and gatherings with family and friends, displaying lights or just staying cozy by a fireplace or space heater. Keep fire-safe this season with our 12 Days of Fire Safety—12 tips to keep you safe and shining all season long.
Tip 1 – Always use lights made for outdoor use—they can handle rain, snow and cold
- Only use outdoor-rated lights and timers. They are designed to handle rain, snow, and cold. Look for ULC, CSA or ETL marks to ensure they meet Canadian safety standards.
- Check each strand for frayed wires, loose bulbs or other damage. If a set is damaged, throw it out.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how many light strings can be safely connected.
- Hang lights with plastic clips, never nails or staples.
- Turn lights off when you leave home or go to bed.
Tip 2 – Proper watering and placement helps reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire
- Choose a fresh tree, set it in a sturdy stand, and water it every day. A dry tree can catch fire quickly. Falling needles mean it is drying out.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, candles and heat vents.
- Use indoor tree lights that meet Canadian safety standards. Look for ULC, CSA or ETL marks.
Tip 3 – Remember to always buy, use and store lithium-ion battery-powered devices and gifts safely
- Choose trusted brands that meet Canadian safety standards. Look for ULC, CSA or ETL marks, and avoid cheap or knock-off devices.
- Keep batteries and devices away from pets. Chewing wrapped battery-powered gifts under the tree can damage the battery and cause it to spark, catch fire, or, in some cases, explode.
- Always charge devices on a hard, flat surface — never on beds, couches, pillows or blankets.
- Keep batteries at room temperature. Do not charge or store them in very hot or very cold places.
- Stop using a device or battery if it leaks, swells, smells odd, feels hot, changes shape or makes unusual sounds.
Tip 4 – Use candles safely and don’t leave them unattended
- Keep candles at least one metre (three feet) away from anything that can burn, including trees, decorations and gifts.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Little hands or curious paws can easily knock them over.
- Place candles in sturdy holders that won’t tip over.
- Never leave candles burning when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Use flameless candles when you can. They give the same warm glow with no fire risk.
Tip 5 – Don’t overload electrical outlets or misuse electrical cords
- Spread lights and decorations across different outlets, so you don’t overload a single circuit.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how many light strings you can safely connect.
- Use extension cords only for short-term use. Never plug them into one another.
- Keep cords out from under rugs, doorways, and furniture, where they can overheat or get damaged.
- Turn off and unplug holiday lights and decorations before bed and when you leave home.
- Check cords for cracks or frayed areas and replace any that are damaged.
Tip 6 – Keep things that can burn one metre (three feet) away from heat sources
- Keep anything that can burn at least one metre (or three feet) away from the heater.
- Plug space heaters directly into the wall. Never use extension cords or power bars.
- Turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Place heaters on a flat, stable surface where they won’t be tipped over by people or pets.
- Choose heaters with a tip-over switch and automatic shut-off for extra safety.
Tip 7 – Have your fireplace and wood stove inspected and cleaned before lighting a fire this season
- Have your wood burning appliances inspected and cleaned yearly by a WETT-certified professional.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood - never wrapping paper, cardboard or your holiday tree.
- Keep anything that can burn at least one metre (three feet) away.
- Use a fireplace screen to stop sparks.
- Let ashes cool completely before placing them in a metal container with a tight lid. Store it outside, away from anything that can burn.
Tip 8 – Always put smoking materials out completely and dispose of them properly
- Smoke outside whenever you can.
- Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and make sure smoking materials are fully out.
- Never put cigarette butts in plant pots or soil. Soil mixes often contain peat moss, mulch and bark that can smolder for hours and start a fire.
- Never smoke in bed or when tired or impaired.
- Empty ashes into a metal container with a tight lid and keep it outside, away from anything that can burn.
- Keep lighters, matches and vaping devices out of children’s reach.
Tip 9 – Always have a designated cook in the kitchen
- Always stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Keep things that can burn like oven mitts, towels, packaging and decorations away from the stovetop.
- Turn pot handles inward so they can’t be bumped.
- Keep a tightfitting lid nearby to smother a small pan fire. Never use water on a grease fire.
- Avoid cooking if you’re tired or impaired.
Tip 10 – Keep exits and pathways clear
- Keep doors, hallways, stairs and all paths to exits clear of gifts, decorations, cords and furniture.
- Make sure windows used in your escape plan aren’t blocked so they can be opened quickly in an emergency.
- Keep outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice so everyone can leave safely.
Tip 11 – Keep working batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms—only working alarms can save lives
- Install alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Test alarms monthly by using the test button to make sure they are working.
- Replace batteries every year (unless you have 10-year sealed alarm).
- Replace alarms every 10 years. Older alarms may not detect smoke or CO properly.
- CO alarms are essential if you have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage.
Tip 12 – Have a home fire escape plan
- Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room – if possible.
- Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will gather.
- Once out, stay out, and call 9-1-1.
- Practice your escape plan so everyone knows what to do.
- Tell overnight guests your escape plan when they stay for the holidays
Have a happy and fire safe holiday season from Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.