Holiday Safety

Holidays can be hectic, trying to get everything ready, meals cooked, house cleaned, and kids dressed but we should always have safety on the mind. A simple careless mistake could put a damper on your festivities.

Visit the Cooking and BBQ Safety page

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment? It is important to remember that when there is so much going on, fire safety is still important. Consider these safety tips:

• Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.
• Keep children and pets at least one metre (three feet) away from the stove.
• Don’t overload electrical; use one device at a time or use different outlets.
• Always check smoke alarms by pressing the test button.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is a night filled with candy and tons of excitement, but like anything it is always important to think about fire safety when sending witches, goblins, and monsters out for their spooky adventures. 

• Instead of using real wick candles in your pumpkins, use battery operated candles.
• Provide children with flashlights, glow sticks, and reflectors to ensure they can be seen in the dark by other trick or treaters and cars.
• When choosing costumes, pick something that doesn’t drag on the ground to avoid tripping hazards and avoid masks that could obstruct vision. 

Winter Holiday Safety Tips

Be prepared in an emergency to keep everyone safe over the holiday season.

• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Consider battery operated candles which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
• Unplug all decorative lights on trees and around the house at night or when you leave the home.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with multiple plug-in decorations.
• Avoid having any extension cords under carpets, across door paths or near heat sources.
• Replace string lights that may be frayed.
• Ensure decorations are not blocking exits.
• If using a real tree, remember trees need water to stay fresh and strong. Check water levels daily.
• Keep trees in a sturdy, non-tip stand and at least one metre (three feet) from any heat source.
• Check all smoke and CO alarms and inform guests on the home escape plan.
• Never leave cooking unattended.  

For more safety information and tips visit NFPA Thanksgiving, NFPA Halloween, NFPA Winter Holidays