St. Catharines acting fire chief Jeff McCormick 
 - City of St. Catharines
St. Catharines fire services will be making their rounds through neighbourhoods over the next few weekends to spread the word on fire safety.
On Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., members of the fire service will be going door to door to explain the importance of having fire escape plans and working smoke alarms — and carbon monoxide alarms — on all levels of the house, as well as outside sleeping areas.
The initiative will include firefighters offering home safety checks and tests of both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
“The holidays are the perfect time to come together with family and friends, it can be a busy time of year filled with guest visits, food and celebratory distractions,” said acting Fire Chief Jeff McCormick. “With extra people in the house, more food on the stove and the distraction of celebration, the holidays can be a dangerous time when it comes to house fire.”
Residents will also receive handouts explaining holiday fire safety. Most house fires are caused by careless smoking and cooking. These types of fire usually involve alcohol and careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal house fires during the holidays.
“Smokers should always ensure to properly extinguish whatever they are smoking, be it cigarettes or cannabis,” said McCormick, adding that residents should drink responsibly.
Some recommendations are to extinguish cigarettes or cannabis in large, deep ashtrays, instead of plant pots. Then ashes should be emptied into metal containers, not a garbage can.
McCormmick and members will also speak to safety tips surrounding cooking during their door to door, saying that it’s important that cooking is never left unattended. If you are to leave kitchen, turn off the stove, or take a pot lid or spatula with you to remind you there is food on the stove.
Link to original article on stcatharinesstandard.ca: St. Catharines fire services will be knocking on doors for holiday safety