The holidays are a very special time for children and youth, and as families enjoy a variety of activities, fire safety should be top of mind.

Here are some precautions parents and guardians can take to help protect children and youth in their own homes as well as in homes they are visiting:

• Never allow children to play with matches, lighters, or candles;
• Never leave children unsupervised around a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. Consider installing safety gates around these potential hazards;
• Ensure a smoke alarm is installed and working on every level of your home, as well as in every bedroom and in the hallway or room outside each sleeping area;
• Practice fire drills in your home. Be sure everyone knows two ways out and windows and doors open easily. Choose a meeting place outside and ensure everyone is accounted for;
• Teach children to dial 911 in case of a fire or emergency; and
• Review general fire safety tips with youth who are living away from home for the first time. Remind them to find two ways out to be prepared in case of a fire.

Prepare a checklist of important items to discuss with your babysitter before heading out. The list can include:

• What to do in case of an emergency;
• A contact number and a backup number of other family members or trusted friends;
• The civic address of your home;
• Your plans and your estimated time of return;
• Any special instructions/medical conditions/rules related to the children; and
• Two ways out of the home in case of fire.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNL for more holiday safety tips during the holiday season.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you to all firefighters, fire departments, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services for your dedication throughout the year.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca