With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, December is traditionally one of the most dangerous months of the year for fatal fires. The Oakville Fire department will be visiting various locations around town this month to promote the Fire Marshal’s third annual 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety campaign to help prevent fire and carbon monoxide tragedies this time of year.
Representatives from the Oakville Fire department will be at RioCan Oakville Place Mall during regular mall hours from December 13 to 15 and at all three Oakville Home Depot locations on December 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by and learn about holiday fire safety, as well as more about the services Oakville Fire provides for the community.
“While fire can happen anytime, December is always our busiest time of year for fire calls,” said Fire Chief Lee Grant. “The amount of activity during the holiday season can be distracting. All it takes is for a pot to be left on the stove unattended, a candle left burning, or a smoke alarm not working for a family’s holiday celebrations to turn tragic.”
The campaign reminds residents to be extra cautious throughout the holiday season by practising the following 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety tips:
Day 1: Water fresh trees daily, dry trees catch fire more easily.
Day 2: Check all sets of lights before decorating; discard any frayed or damaged cords.
Day 3: Make sure you have working smoke alarms.
Day 4: Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms.
Day 5: Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely if a fire occurs.
Day 6: Use extension cords wisely and never have them underneath rugs etc.
Day 7: Keep space heaters at least one metre away from anything flammable.
Day 8: When you go out, always blow out candles.
Day 9: Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
Day 10: Watch what you heat and do not leave cooking unattended.
Day 11: Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
Day 12: Be responsible when consuming alcohol.
Residents can also tune into TVCOGECO daily from December 10 to 21 for a chance to win great prizes by knowing the holiday fire safety tip of the day.
The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council has written lyrics for 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety, providing a fun way to reinforce the 12 holiday fire safety tips. These lyrics as well as more information on the campaign can be found at safeathome.ca. For more fire safety tips visit oakville.ca and search holiday fire safety.