Families Encouraged to Be Fire Safe This Holiday Season

The Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today reminded residents of the need to be keenly aware of the risks of fire throughout the holiday season.

�The holiday season is a time for safety, as well as a time for celebration and creating fond memories with family and friends,� said Minister O�Brien. �However, sometimes fire safety is not at the forefront of people�s minds in the hustle and bustle of the season. I would like to remind everyone that there are simple precautions people can take and key pieces of advice everyone should remember to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.�

Minister O�Brien noted that decorating sometimes requires people to use electrical equipment and step ladders. Residents should ensure there are other people around to assist and provide a measure of safety while preparing your home for the festivities. Families should also have an escape route planned, in the event of a fire or emergency, to ensure everyone knows how to get out safely.

�The holiday season is also an excellent opportunity to ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and never remove the batteries from the alarm to power Christmas toys,� added Minister O�Brien. �Unfortunately, statistics show people are more likely to die in an accidental home fire during the holiday season than at any other time of the year. With 10 fire fatalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this year, we all must remember fire prevention and safety have the potential to save lives and should be practised all year round.�

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
Fire Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Candles
Candles are a leading cause of residential fires in Canada. It is recommended that residents never use open flame candles, but if you do:

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Only use candles with adult supervision.
• Put candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from drafts, curtains or other combustibles, children and pets.
• Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Christmas tree

• In choosing a real tree, get one that is freshly cut. It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard.
• Place a real tree in a stand that will hold two to three litres of water and top it up daily. Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance.
• Keep all trees away from sources of heat such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not block doors or windows.
• Never use lighted candles on any Christmas tree.
• Remove a real tree within 10 to 14 days.

Lights

• Use tested and certified light strings/sets.
• Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.
• Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires. Discard if faulty.
• Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees, as it may pose an electrocution hazard.
• Turn off all tree and display lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Decorations

• Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
• Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.
• Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.
• If there are young children or pets in the home, avoid very small decorations.

Gift Suggestions

• Home smoke alarm
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Candle snuffer
• Multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher
• Thermostatically-controlled deep fryer

2010 12 02                                                   10:10 a.m.