With the holidays almost here, the Office of the Fire Commissioner has some fire and life safety advice to help ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season for all British Columbians.
Decorating
Keep trees, wrapping paper, decorations and other things that can catch fire away from heat sources.
Ensure a real tree stays fresh and green by watering it daily. Get rid of the tree after the holidays or when it has dried out.
Choose flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations and only use lights that have been tested and labelled by a certified testing laboratory. Consider energy-efficient LED lighting, which produces less heat and poses less of a fire risk.
Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Ensure electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Cooking safety
Have a “kid-free zone” of at least one metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Never pour water on a grease fire. On the stove top, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. After a fire, the oven should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.
Candle safety
Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
Use candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over easily, and put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Battery-operated candles are an excellent alternative.
Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
Smoke alarms and fire escape planning
Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.
Test and clean smoke alarms regularly and change batteries at least twice a year.
Develop a fire escape plan, practise it regularly and have at least two ways out of a home. Remember to share this emergency plan with guests as well.
Make sure holiday decorations do not block any exits.