Thursday December 17, 2020 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
Fire safety is paramount at any time, but in the Christmas holiday season there are some specific tips that the Langford Fire Rescue service emphasizes at this time of year.
From Langford’s local fire department, here are the top four tips for everyone to be aware of:
- Keep your Christmas trees watered. Dry trees can ignite easily and will create a significant fire very quickly.
- Never leave candles unattended. They can burn down and ignite other nearby combustibles.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 metres (9 ft) aware from combustibles.
- Avoid using extension cords to run things constantly.
“As always, everyone please makes sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date and working properly,” says Lance Caven, Assistant Fire Chief of Fire Protection. “They really are your first line of defence and have saved many lives from tragedy.”
Some other fire safety tips:
Decorating:
- Keep trees, wrapping paper, decorations and other things that can catch fire away from heat sources.
- Ensure a real tree stays fresh and green by watering it daily. Get rid of the tree after the holidays or when it has dried out.
- Choose flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations and only use lights that have been tested and labelled by a certified testing laboratory. Consider energy-efficient LED lighting, which produces less heat and poses less of a fire risk.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- Ensure electrical outlets are not overloaded.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Cooking safety:
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least one metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Never pour water on a grease fire. On the stove top, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. After a fire, the oven should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.
Candle safety:
- Extinguish lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Use candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over easily, and put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Battery-operated candles are an excellent alternative.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
Smoke alarms and fire escape planning:
- Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.
- Test and clean smoke alarms regularly and change batteries at least twice a year.
- Develop a fire escape plan, practise it regularly and have at least two ways out of a home. Remember to share this emergency plan with guests as well.
Regardless of the season, or how you and your loved ones celebrate the holidays, it is important to be ready for any emergency. For further information on how to prepare for any emergency situation, visit: www.preparedbc.ca
===== LINKS:
Ember the FireSmart Fox (December 17, 2020)