WISHING YOU A FIRE-SAFE CHRISTMAS

At Christmas there is an increase in activities in many of our homes. Most of us will decorate, bake and entertain more than at other times of the year. At the Fire Department we know that a few careless activities can lead to a devastating fire. A few safety tips and habits can make all the difference.

Christmas Trees – When purchasing a real tree, look for one that is green and fragrant and that very few needles fall of off when the stump is tapped on the ground. Once your tree is in your home, check it frequently to make sure it has not run out of water and only use CSA approved light strings that aren’t cracked or frayed. Remove your tree shortly after the holidays or once it starts to turn brown.

Candles – Keep lit candles away from flammable materials like paper or fabric products and never use them to decorate a Christmas tree. Make sure your candles are in stable candleholders and not in an area where they could be accidently knocked over by guests, children or pets. Always extinguish your candles when the festivities are over or when the last person leaves the room.

Fireplaces – Only burn small amounts of seasoned wood. Burning paper, wrapping paper or pine boughs can cause sparks to drift up your chimney and ignite your roof. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to help start a fire in your fireplace and always operate it with a screen to keep the sparks in.

Space Heaters – Place your space heater at least one meter, or three feet, away from anything that could burn like wallpaper, furniture, bedding or clothing. Check the electrical cord to make sure it isn’t cracked or frayed, never leave children or pets unsupervised in a room with a space heater and turn off and unplug space heaters when you leave a room or go to sleep. Never use unvented fuel-fired heaters inside a home or garage. The resulting carbon monoxide build-up can be deadly.

Working smoke alarms save lives. Test yours regularly and plan your escape routes. Remember a sounding smoke alarm means ‘get out and stay out’.

The Saskatoon Fire Department wishes you a safe and healthy holiday.