Sarnia's fire department has launched its annual holiday campaign to help inform residents of how to keep their homes safe during the holiday season.
Sarnia Fire Rescue Services Public Education Officer Mike Otis said a new tip will be shared each day during the 12 Days of Holiday Fire and CO Safety campaign.
For those with a real Christmas tree this year, Otis said they should be watered daily.
"A dry Christmas tree can go up [in flames] extremely fast -- basically, like gasoline when it burns," he said. "Keep your heat sources away from any combustibles with your decorations. If you use any candles, make sure you blow them out -- don't leave them unattended."
Otis also said when it comes to Christmas lighting, residents should ensure they're using proper cords for indoor and outdoor use.
"Don't overload any circuits, don't plug extension cords into extension cords," he said.
Otis also said many of the tips shared during the 12 days of safety campaign apply throughout the year.
For example, don't smoke in bed, properly extinguish smoking materials, have working fire and CO alarms, have a home escape plan, and never leave cooking unattended.
Otis said unattended cooking is the number one cause of house fires all year but is more prevalent during the holidays as people may be distracted while hosting guests.
"Statistically, Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the worst days for cooking fires," he said.
Details about the 12 days of fire safety will be shared to Sarnia Fire Rescue's social media, and residents will have the chance to win a fire safety prize pack.
"We want everybody to be safe and we wish everyone happy holidays," Otis said.