Make sure you follow these fire safety tips around the holidays

yorkregion.com
Dec. 14, 2023
Chief Andrew Zvanitajs

The holiday season is a time to enjoy your favourite traditions and make new memories with loved ones. As you prepare to celebrate, follow these tips to help ensure your festivities are happy and safe for everyone.

Pull the plug on electrical hazards

Inspect decorative lights every year before using them. If the wiring is frayed or worn, replace the lights.

Turn off lights when you leave the house and before you go to bed.

Use CSA-approved lights both indoors and outdoors. Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and check them periodically -- they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not link more than three light strands together.

Do not overload or link extension cords together. Have a licensed electrician install additional outlets if permanent wiring is required.

Consider using battery-operated, flameless candles, which can look and smell like the real thing.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always extinguish it before leaving the room.

Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant holders that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax. For extra protection, cover the flame with a glass shade.

Keep candles away from children and pets, out of bedrooms and away from holiday decor, especially Christmas trees.

The dos and don’ts of decorating
Place holiday decorations away from doors and windows so exits are not blocked.

Use non-flammable or flame-retardant decorations and place them away from heat sources such as vents, fireplaces and heaters.

If purchasing a real tree, check for freshness. The needles should be green, hard to pull out and bend, but not break. A dry tree is a fire hazard. Use a tree stand that holds plenty of water. Trees can drink up to four litres of water per day, so check it daily and add fresh water as needed.

If purchasing an artificial tree, look for one labelled as fire-resistant. While the tree could still catch on fire, it should resist burning and extinguish quickly.

Visit vaughan.ca/fire to learn more about fire safety throughout the holiday season and year-round.

On behalf of Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.