Nathan Anderson/Rocky View Publishing

The Airdrie Fire Department is reminding residents that overloading electrical outlets with cords this holiday season presents a serious fire safety risk.

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Practice holiday fire safety, say firefighters

When one thinks of the holidays, images of a crackling fire, a roasting turkey and candles lighting up a room often come to mind, but this Christmas season the Airdrie Fire Department is urging residents to take precautions.

“The festive season brings with it an increased risk of fire with Christmas trees, which are very flammable, Christmas decorations that are electrically powered, the use of alcohol, people cooking more and using candles more often,” said Shaun Park, paramedic and firefighter for the Airdrie Fire Department.

Park advised residents not to leave a candle unattended, extinguish all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room, keep children away from candles, never use a candle near a decorated tree or anything else that can burn, such as curtains and decorations, and place candles where they can not be knocked down or blown over.

“The biggest risks with candles is either forgetting about them or placing them in an inappropriate place,” he said.

Another festive holiday tradition that could be a hazard is decorative lights. It is important to inspect all lights and extension cords to ensure there is no fraying and use only light sets that have been certified by an organization such as CSA or ULC. Do not overload extension cords or electrical outlets. Never leave lights on when you go to sleep or leave home, do not run electrical cords under a rug, and always use outdoor light outdoors and indoor lights indoors.

“The holiday season is all about being prepared,” said Park.

“Make sure you are being cautious and don’t overload circuits. Be cognizant of the fact you need to be very careful.”

Place your tree in a sturdy, non-tip stand; keep the tree well watered; make sure the tree is at least one metre away from a flame or heat source, never decorate a tree with candles and safely dispose of a tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried out trees are flammable and should not be left inside the home or in the garage.

“Of course we promote safety over the holidays and want people to be as cautious as possible but if something does catch fire, make sure you are prepared,” said Park.

“Make sure you have enough smoke detectors, they are working, their batteries are changed every six months, you have fire extinguishers and your family knows where they are and how to use them. And most importantly, do not hesitate to call us. We are here to help serve and take care of the public.”

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) recently released its list of top tips for holiday fire and carbon monoxide safety.

The “12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety” campaign is a compilation of what the CAFC states are the things homeowners need to be extra vigilant about this time of year.

“It’s important to take precautions with the things we enjoy most about the festive season such as candles, holiday lights and cooking because they increase the risk of home fires. The drop in temperature is also a contributor to the increased incidence of carbon monoxide exposure,” said Carol Heller, a home safety specialist with Kidde Canada and partner to the CAFC.

According to Fire Chief Rob Simonds, president of the CAFC, it’s the small things that can make a big difference in saving lives. If you are having trouble figuring out what to get your loved ones for Christmas this year, why not wrap up some safety by giving them smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and batteries.

“Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, never tamper with them, change batteries, replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every seven years…all these messages and others can never be stated too often,” said Simonds.

For more information, visit www.safeathome.ca or call the Airdrie Fire Department at 403-948-8880.