Kelowna Fire Department Shares Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Keep teh Holidays Merry and Radiant: Kelowna Fire Department Shares Essential Safety tips
Kelowna, BC – As the holiday season approaches, the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) is reminding residents to prioritize safety amidst the festive cheer.
“Don’t let holiday excitement overshadow fire safety,” says Paul Johnson, fire Prevention Officer with the KFD. “Many holiday fires are preventable. By following a few simple tips, we can all enjoy a safe and joyful season.”
Johnson highlights common holiday fire hazards, including dry Christmas trees, unattended cooking, and careless candle use. He urges residents to be extra vigilant and follow these top five entertaining safety tips:
1. Test Your Smoke Alarms: Ensure your smoke alarms are working properly by testing them and replacing batteries before the holidays.
2. Candle Caution: Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. A wagging tail or curious hand can easily knock over a candle, leading to a fire.
3. Kitchen Safety: Never leave cooking unattended, especially on the stovetop or in the oven. Keep a lid nearby to smother pan fires and remember, never throw water on a grease fire.
4. Smoking Safety: Request that guests who smoke do so outside and provide them with a deep ashtray filled with water to extinguish smoking materials.
5.Consider Alternatives: Opt for electronic or LED candles for table décor whenever possible. if using real candles,never leave them unattended and ensure they are enclosed in a glass container,with the flame below the rim.
Deck the halls Safely:
The KFD also offers specific tips for decorating your home safely:
Choose Wisely: Use an artificial tree if possible. If opting for a real tree, ensure it has fresh, green needles that don’t fall off easily.
Hydrate Your Tree: Cut two inches off the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand and water it daily to keep it hydrated.
Keep a Safe Distance: Position your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces,radiators,candles,heat vents,or lights.
Use Approved Lights: Only use lights certified for use in Canada, bearing a ”CAN” or “ULC” stamp.
Inspect Your Lights: Replace any lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Never exceed the manufacturer’s instructions for maximum strand connections.
No Candles on Trees: Never decorate your tree with lit candles.
Turn Off Lights: Always turn off tree lights before leaving your home or going to bed.
Clear Exits: Ensure your tree doesn’t block any exits within your home.
* Dispose of Dried Trees: Get rid of dried-out trees promptly. They pose a significant fire risk and should not be stored in your garage or near your home.
Fireworks Safety:
The KFD reminds residents that the use of fireworks within the city limits is prohibited unless you are a certified fireworks operator with a valid permit from the fire department.For more information and helpful fire safety videos, including tips for kitchen safety, visit kelowna.ca/fire.
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