With December now here, snow in the forecast, and the last few weeks of work before the holiday season here, fire departments around Ontario are working hard to keep people safe. One of the ways they are doing that is by presenting the 12 days of fire and carbon monoxide safety tips.
“The number one cause for fires in homes is in the kitchen,” said Scott Petrie, the director of fire prevention with the City of Stratford. “When you have 20 people in the kitchen, with the grownups and kids, there is an increased hazard there.”
Each fire department takes care of the 12 days in their own ways, with tips being similar for each department.
The full list of tips includes:
- use the proper lights when decorating and check for worn or damaged cords
- keep decorations away from candles
- install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- water fresh trees daily
- check extension cords for damage and use them properly
- use candles with care
- practice and prepare your home escape plan
- look while you cook
- keep heating sources away from anything that can burn
- smoke outside
- be aware of lithium-ion batteries.
“With tree watering, you need to be careful and make sure she’s moist,” said Petrie. “One thing that has changed is LED lighting, which has really made a difference as there is not really a significant heat source.”
Heating sources are also a significant factor in holiday safety, with people using different sources for ensuring their homes are warm.
“We know that everyone is on a different budget, but we do urge caution when using alternative heating sources,” said Petrie. “We use the saying give your heater a meter, but if you are using a space heater the recommendation is three feet.”
An often not thought of tip is around the lithium-ion batteries, as many new gifts may contain the batteries, which pose a fire hazard.
“A lot of gifts now will contain the lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk,” said Petrie. “Something else we recommend is to use proper chargers, for example an Apple charger for Apple products. We also ask people to leave their phones on a table or shelf nearby the bed, not under a pillow. Another big gift this year is E-bikes and scooters, which at this time of year will likely be charged inside, so it's important to also keep an eye on those things charging.”
As always a key for fire departments is to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, with a need for batteries to be charged twice per year or every six months.
“Alarms need to be up-to-date as they do expire,” said Petrie. “A lot of newer alarms are two in one with carbon monoxide and smoke detectors all in one, with a ten year lithium-ion battery, which is a new feature.”
It is also important to note that carbon monoxide is an invisible and odorless gas that causes problems including flu-like symptoms. The problem is many people don’t even know they are ill, so they could go to sleep and might not wake up.