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12 Days of Christmas Safety
With the Holiday Season around the corner, it is important to remember that fire can happen anywhere and at any time, especially when our attention is focused on hosting the perfect Holiday party.
Introducing the 12 days of Fire Safety, to make sure the holidays go just as smooth as your grandmother’s mashed potatoes.
1. Christmas Tree: It’s not about what’s under the tree, it’s about what’s around it … and in it! Be sure to check the water level daily and that your Christmas tree always has water! Some tips when picking the perfect tree:
Make sure you choose a tree that is not shedding needles
And place your tree in a safe and sturdy location, away from fireplaces, exits and heat sources.
2. Decorative Lights: As we deck the halls in sparkles, turning off and unplugging the lights & decorations before leaving or going to bed can be a hassle, but important to remember. Keep an eye out for any frayed or damaged lights before decorating. Make sure to double check that any lights, cords or decorations are specifically intended for indoor or outdoor use!
And don’t forget to keep all decorations at least 1 meter away from heating equipment or any open flame.
3. Smoke Alarms: Consider installing working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Testing smoking alarms every month is important, and especially during the holidays, when friends and family are gathered together. Remember to replace batteries or smoke alarms that are 10 years or older before the holidays!
4. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Don’t forget to test your CO alarms before your holiday get-togethers and to replace batteries if needed.
5. Home Escape Plans: Create an escape route that everyone in your family is aware of. Having two ways out of every room is important, if possible. Having a meeting place outside the home, is needed in every escape plan. Let your friends and family know about your plan, so you can stay a step ahead!
6. Electrical Cords/Outlets: Before lighting up all that’s merry and bright, try not overload electrical outlets.
Here’s a couple reminders to keep in mind:
- Replace frayed, cracked, nicked or damaged electrical cords
- Avoid running extension cords under carpets, across doorways or near heaters
- Never link multiple extension cords or power bars together
- Use an extension or power bar that is long enough for the job
7. Portable Heaters: It may be a little chillier going to bed, but remembering to unplug your portable heater before going to sleep can be a life saver. So pile on those blankets and warm socks! Better safe than sorry! 
8. Candles: Although it’s hard to get enough of all your Christmas scented candles, blowing them out before exiting a room can be difficult to remember. By keeping your candles in visible spot and away from anything that can burn, is important to remember during this holiday season.
9.Matches: For those of you who still prefer the use and smell of good ol’ matches, please remember to place all matches and lighters in a high, preferably locked cabinet, away from children.
10. Cooking: Did you know cooking is the #1 cause of house fires? This time of year, home cooked meals are one of our favourite things about the Holidays. In order to prevent cooking fires, being alert is of utmost importance. Keep anything that burns a safe distance from the stove: items such as (oven mitts, cooking utensils, dish cloths, paper towels and pot holders.)
11. Smokers’ Materials: With a house filled with family and friends, it is important to consider smoker safety. Here’s a couple tips to avoid fatal fires:
- Use large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over.
- Do not carelessly toss cigarette butts off balconies.
- Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots – may contain components that can easily ignite
- Before you dispose of butts and ashes, make sure they are out (put in sand or water) Empty ashes into a metal container – not the garbage can- and put it outside
12. Be Responsible: On the 12th day of Fire Safety, from all of us at the Town of Erin, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Be Responsible, Stay Safe, and Be Merry!