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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