For the week of November 24-30, it is National Home Fire Safety Week! In Canada, eight people lose their lives to fires each week, 75% of those deaths are caused by residential fires. Most of these fires start predominately in the kitchen, and with the holiday season approaching, this means more delicious meals and family gatherings. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your loved ones safe from fire hazards in your home.

1) Keep the cooking to the food:

• Never leave your cooking unattended and set a timer as a reminder for meal prep.
• Keep cookware handles turned in towards the stove. This ensures pots and pans won’t get caught or bumped into while working in the kitchen.
• Be careful not to leave dish towels or other flammable items on the stovetop.
• With the holiday season around the corner, it is easy to get distracted and busy with guests in our homes. Try to make as many meals ahead of time to prevent distraction and possible fire hazards.

2) For the love of flames:

• Be mindful of the fireplace, ensure it is always attended to, and that protective screens/gates are used to prevent sparks from escaping.
• Whether it’s the “Winter Pine” or the “Mulled Cranberry”, keep an eye on the candles. Ensure candles are not left unattended for a lengthy amount of time, and that they are positioned on a solid surface away from flammable objects (curtains, whiskers etc.). If possible, try to use flameless battery candles to avoid anything catching on fire. 

3) Festive sparks only:

• Use electronic devices responsibly. When not in use, remove power cords from the sockets and make sure the power cords are in good conditions (no tears or frayed wires).
• If using portable heaters, be mindful to keep them at least three feet away from flammable objects (bedding etc.), and never leave heating devices on when out of the house.

4) On trend trees are safe trees:

• When selecting a real Christmas tree, be careful the needles of the tree do not fall off when touched. This could mean the tree is too dry and could be a potential fire hazard.
• If you’re going the artificial route, ensure the tree is marked “fire resistant.”
• Do not leave the Christmas tree lights on when you are out of your home, and keep all types of trees away from any heat sources.

5) Smoke detectors are smoking:

• Install smoke detectors in all levels of your home and in every bedroom, as per mandatory by the law. 
• Check smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Be mindful of the expiry dates of the alarms and replace the detectors every 10 years.

This holiday season, we ask that you use these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. It is important to have operating fire extinguishers in your home (check those expiry dates!) for which all members of the household know how to operate, if need be.