Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
The Hamilton Fire Department is reminding Hamilton residents that the Holiday season can be one of the most dangerous times of the year for a house fire. This post contains tips from the HFD on how to protect your home this Holiday season.
For more details, please continue reading below…
The following are tips from the Hamilton Fire Department to help keep your family safe this Holiday season:
Help keep you and your family safe during the holidays:
- Cooking is one of the leading causes of fire. Don’t leave cooking unattended and always have a lid nearby.
- Be responsible for your family’s safety. Develop and practice your home escape plan and check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
- Remember to drink responsibly this holiday season as impairment can cause poor judgement when cooking.
- Smoking is another leading cause of fires. If you smoke, smoke outside. Make sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in large deep ashtrays, not in plant pots which may contain peat moss or shredded bark that can easily ignite. Ashes should be emptied in a metal container, not the garbage can, and put outside.
Real Christmas Trees
- When choosing a real tree pick one that has been freshly cut. Needles should not fall off when touched.
- A dry tree is dangerous because it can catch fire easily. Make sure the base of your tree is immersed in water at all times. Christmas trees drink up to 4 litres of water per day; remember to water your tree daily.
- Locate your tree away from exits and heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and space heaters.
- Never place lit candles on your tree.
- Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
Candles
- Make sure candles are placed in a sturdy holder and at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
- Keep them out of the reach of children and pets where they can’t be knocked over.
- Always remember to extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
- Consider using battery-operated or electric flameless candles to reduce the risk altogether.
Holiday Lighting
- Some decorative lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. Make sure you are using the appropriate lights for the location you are decorating.
- Ensure lights have the logo of a recognized safety standards agency such as CSA or ULC.
- Check all sets of decorative lights before putting them up and discard any sets that are damaged, frayed or have pinched wires.
- Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
- Turn off all your indoor decorative lights before going to bed or leaving your home.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.