12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also a time when the risk of home fires increases. To keep your home and loved ones safe this holiday season, it’s important to be aware of potential fire hazards and take steps to prevent them. Here are some tips for keeping your home fire-safe as part of our 12 days of holiday fire safety:

Holiday Lights: Make sure to only use lights that are ULC-approved and in good condition. Avoid overloading outlets and turn off all lights when you leave the house or go to bed. It is also a good idea to use timers for outdoor lights.

Candles and Decorations: Keep lit candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains and decorations. Consider using flameless candles instead.

Smoke Alarms: Test your smoke alarms to make sure they’re working properly, and install them on every level of your home, including the basement. Batteries should be replaced twice a year (once in spring and once in fall).

Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly to ensure they’re working properly. Carbon monoxide alarms should be used if the home is equipped with fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage.

Tree Watering: Keep your live Christmas tree well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Trees should be at least a meter away from any heating source.

Extension Cords: Use extension cords sparingly and avoid overloading them with multiple plugs. Use CSA or ULC-approved extension cords.

Hannukah Candles: If you celebrate Hannukah, make sure to keep lit candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

Home Fire Escape Plans: Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with your family, so everyone knows what to do in case of a fire. Two-storey homes should have an emergency fire escape ladder. Every home should also have at least one fire extinguisher and it is suggested to have one on each level of the home. Ideal areas to have a fire extinguisher include the kitchen and the laundry room. Fire extinguishers make great Christmas gifts!

Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep a close eye on food that’s on the stove. Use a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to turn off the stove or oven. Never store combustible materials on or in your stove. Ovens that are used often should be cleaned every three months.

Heating Sources: Keep flammable materials away from space heaters, fireplaces, and other heating sources. Make sure to turn off heaters when you leave the house or go to bed. Have chimneys checked annually by a qualified contractor.

Smoking: If you smoke, make sure to properly dispose of cigarette butts and never smoke in bed.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged or overcharged, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and handling them safely.

By following these tips, you can help prevent home fires and keep your family safe this holiday season. For more information on fire safety and fire protection at Carleton University, visit our Fire Protection Program page or reach out to the Fire Protection Coordinator.

Happy holidays!

Check out the collection of #HolidayFireSafety tips from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).

#HolidayFireSafety Tip for December 12 from OFM: