next articleIt is a sad reality that the times of the year which bring us the most joy are also often accompanied by tragedy. Statistics indicate a marked increase in the number of fires which occur during the holidays. Too often, we become so caught up in the excitement of the holidays that we neglect to practice the most basic fire safety. By simply following the preventive measures outlined below, you and your family can enjoy all the holidays' festivities without having them marred by suffering or disaster:
1. Keep a natural tree outside until it is ready to be set up. Be sure to set it up in a cool part of the house, away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces and exits or exit routes. Stand the tree in a bucket of water to prevent drying and keep it watered regularly.
2. Never light a metal tree with coloured floodlights (or colourwheel) that are off the tree. NEVER hang electric lights on a metallic tree. This could result in serious shock.
3. Inspect a natural tree periodically for needles near the lights that have started to turn brown. If necessary, change the position of the lights so they are not in contact with the needles. Dispose of the tree when large quantities of needles begin to fall off.
4. Before purchasing a natural tree, check it for freshness. Fresh needles will bend between the fingers without breaking. Tap the tree lightly on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree is to dry.
5. Secure a particularly large tree to the ceiling or walls with durable wire. Tie off the tree from at least two points.
6. Use only fireproof decorations. NEVER use decorations made of cloth or paper.
7. DO NOT leave lights burning while sleeping or not at home.
8. Plastic trees should be made of fire resistant material. These will not catch fire so easily. Keep away from sources of heat.
9. Select only decorative lights that have been approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
10. Check indoor and outdoor lights each year for frayed wires, loose connections, cracked sockets and exposed wire.
11. DO NOT overload circuits with lights. The instructions included with "standard" sized lights should specify the number of lamps which can be strung together safely.
12. DO NOT use indoor lights for outdoor decorating. Outdoor lights should be identified as such, and should be removed as soon as the holiday season is over.
13. NEVER run an electric train under a tree. Sparks from the track might start a fire.
14. Install a switch away from the tree to turn lights on or off.
15. DO NOT burn wrapping paper or trees in a fireplace.
1. Check to make sure your stove is in good condition for prolonged Thanksgiving day cooking. According to statistics, cooking equipment causes over 8,000 fires annually.
2. Wipe away grease from the top of the stove and inside the oven after cooking.
3. Keep all flammables (napkins, dried flowers, etc.) away from lighted table candles and cooking appliances.
Although they are prohibited by most municipalities without proper license, fireworks still account for hundreds of injuries each year. The use of such fireworks as firecrackers, sparklers and torpedoes can result in sudden explosions, serious burns and eye injuries. Fireworks have also been known to start fires in dry grass. The safest practice is to attend public fireworks displays where the people who fire them are trained professionals. Even in that situation, however, be sure to stay far enough away from the firing area so as to avoid burns from falling ashes or misfires.
1. Purchase fire-retardant costumes for your children.
2. Use flashlights, not candles, in jack-o-lanterns.
3. Use fire-resistant decorations.
4. Make sure any public bonfires are supervised by your local fire department.