Holiday Fire Safety

To keep you and your family safe this holiday season, here is some fire safety information:

Live Christmas trees need extra care . If you decide to have a live Christmas tree, pick a fresh one and secure it in a sturdy stand. Make sure that it’s properly watered, and doesn’t dry out. Keep the tree away from heat sources, and make sure that the tree doesn’t block exits.

Artificial trees need care too . If purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it’s fire retardant. Keep the tree away from heat sources, and make sure that the tree doesn’t block exits.

Ornaments on the tree and around the home can also be a fire hazard . Ensure that holiday candles are kept away from anything flammable, and never use candles to decorate a tree. Don’t leave children alone in a room with lit candles, and keep lighters and matches away from them. Since alcohol and fire don’t mix, don’t decorate your parties with candles. When decorating with electrical lights, make sure you only purchase those that are approved by a testing laboratory. Never decorate metal trees with electric lights, as this may cause fires or electrocution. Also, remember that there are indoor and outdoor lights, and you should only use them for the specified purpose (i.e. indoor lights inside, and outdoor lights outside). Always remember to unplug lights when leaving home or going to bed.

Never overload electrical outlets . Remember that electrical outlets are meant to provide a specific amount of electricity. Overloading outlets can cause fires.

Where there's smoke, there’s a fire hazard . If you’re having a party, remember to use large ashtrays, so that no one misses the ashtray. Check ashtrays regularly, so they don’t smolder and cause a fire.

Be careful with fireplaces . If you’re hanging stockings on the fireplace, then don’t start a fire in the fireplace. When burning fires, use a sturdy screen to keep logs from rolling and embers from jumping.

Remember that fireplaces need to be cleaned . Creosote is a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, and can build up in chimneys. If the chimney hasn’t been cleaned, the creosote buildup may cause a chimney fire. As such, you should have your fireplace cleaned by a professional at the beginning of the heating season.

Source: Niagara Regional Police Department

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