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The Township of Adelaide Metcalfe is proud to launch the annual 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign held by the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal to remind Ontario residents to take proper safety precautions and stay fire safe this holiday season.
From December 13 to December 24, fire departments across Ontario will be promoting different holiday fire safety topics each day on social media.
The Township of Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department encourages families to follow the 12 days of holiday fire safety on Facebook and pay attention to the tips and advice that can keep your family safe this season.
Twelve tips for holiday fire safety from Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg:
- Day 1: Water fresh-cut Christmas trees daily. Always keep the base of the trunk in water and away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters or candles.
- Day 2: Check all lights before decorating and replace any worn or damaged cords or loose bulb connections. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for indoor or outdoor use.
- Day 3: Make sure there is a working smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Day 4: Only carbon monoxide alarms can alert you to the presence of this deadly gas. Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas.
- Day 5: Use extension cords wisely and only as a temporary connection. Never run cords under rugs which can damage the cord and cause a fire. Avoid overloading a circuit with “octopus outlets” (lots of extension cords in one electrical outlet).
- Day 6: Keep open flames away from anything that may be combustible. If you can, use an enclosed candle holder or sturdy, burn-resistant container that won’t tip.
- Day 7: Portable space heaters and other heating sources are sometimes used to keep the chill out. Keep anything that can burn such as holiday decorations, curtains and upholstery, at least one metre away from heat sources.
- Day 8: Having a home fire escape plan is one of the best ways to ensure you and your loved ones can get out safely. Everyone in your home should know two ways out of all areas.
- Day 9: Never leave a stove unattended. If you need to step away for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Day 10: Encourage smokers to smoke outside and use large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over easily. Always keep ashes away from anything that can burn. Empty cooled ashes into a metal container and store outside.
- Day 11: Matches and lighters can be deadly in the hands of children. Keep all fire-starting materials out of the sight and reach of children.
- Day 12: While celebrating this festive time of year, be sure to keep a watchful eye on anyone cooking or smoking while under the influence.