Municipal Affairs
December 9, 2008

Minister Reminds Residents of Importance of Seasonal Fire Safety

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador, today reminded residents that throughout the holiday season everyone should make fire safety a priority within their home.

"The holiday season is a time for celebration and good times with family and friends," said Minister Whalen. "Very often fire safety isn�t at the front of people�s minds, which unfortunately means fires happen. Many of the fires that will occur can easily be prevented."

Minister Whalen pointed out that it is important to turn Christmas tree lights off at night. Also, don�t overload electrical sockets. The holiday season is another excellent opportunity to ensure you have a working smoke alarm on each floor level of your home and never remove those batteries to power Christmas toys. Every family should plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in the event of a fire.

"Sadly, statistics show that people are more likely to die in an accidental home fire during the holiday season than at any other time of the year," said Minister Whalen. "Households should take some simple steps to ensure their safety. Perform a fire safety inspection on your home as part of your regular holiday routine. With 12 fire fatalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008, we must remember that appropriate precautions and fire prevention can possibly save your life."

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Media contact:

Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216

BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca

 

 

BACKGROUNDER

The following are fire safety ideas for the holiday season:

Christmas tree

  • Get a freshly cut tree. It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Try to pick a tree with a strong green colour and noticeable fragrance.
  • Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high moisture content is safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt of the tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and the stump should be sticky with resin.
  • Place the tree in a stand that will hold two to three litres of water and top it up daily. Make sure it is always immersed in water: If water drops below the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut. Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance.
  • Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not block doors or windows.
  • Never use lighted candles on the tree.
  • Remove the tree within 10 to 14 days. After that amount of time in a heated building, even the freshest tree can start to dry out.

Decorations

  • Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
  • If there are young children or pets in your home, avoid very small decorations.
  • 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.

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, and discard if faulty.
  • Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact. Illuminate metallic trees with coloured floodlights placed at a safe distance from the tree and out of reach.
  • Turn off all tree and display lights before going to bed or before leaving the house.
  • 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:

    • Place them away from absolutely anything that could catch fire.
    • Never leave burning candles unattended.
    • Burn them only when a responsible adult is overseeing the flame.
    • Put candles in sturdy holders on a stable surface, well away from drafts, curtains, children and pets.
    • Snuff them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Gift Suggestions

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

2008 12 09                                                     10:15 a.m.
 


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