Christmas fire-safety tips

Salmon Arm fire hall (Photo by ShuNews)

As the holiday season approaches, firefighters everywhere remind the public to be safe.

Make sure your chimneys are clean.

Ensure that your children know and have practiced your fire escape plan, and that they know their meeting spot.

Smoke alarms not only save lives, they protect your family. Some fires take place at night, while you and your family are sleeping. Make sure they are clean and operational. Smoke alarms generally have a ten (10) year life span. Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms generally have a seven (7) year life span.

The use of candles are a traditional part of the holiday season. Please put candles in non-tip holders and ensure that they are well away from the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations.

Find a safe spot for your Christmas tree, away from heater vents and the fireplace. Keep your Christmas tree as fresh as possible by watering it often. When you are not at home, turn off the lights.

Electrical area or space heaters use a lot of power, generally 1500 watts. Please ensure that you do not overload the wall socket and that if an extension cord is needed that it can carry the wattage, not only for heaters, but lights and decorations as well.

Make sure your civic-address house number is visible to emergency personal from the street.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!