Safety Tips for the Holidays

The Christmas Tree

• Get a tree that is freshly cut. It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard.
• Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high moisture content is safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt of the tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and the stump should be sticky with resin.
• Before setting up the tree, saw two inches diagonally off the butt.
• Use a tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance and a large water reservoir in which to immerse the tree butt. If necessary, use guy wires to steady the tree. Maintain the water supply in the reservoir.
• Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not block doors or windows.
• After the holidays, remove the tree to the outdoors as soon as possible.
• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets.
• Use the proper light string/set for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.
• Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
• Do not use electric light strings/set on metallic trees. A faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming into contact. Illuminate metallic trees with colored floodlights placed at a safe distance from the tree and out of reach of everyone.
• Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the night or before leaving the house.
• Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
• If there are young children or pets in your home, avoid decorations that are very small.
• Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.
• Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.
• Never use lighted candles on the tree.

The Fireplace

• Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, and other types of packing in the fireplace. They burn too rapidly and generate far too much heat.
• Don't hang Christmas stockings from the mantel when the fireplace is in use.
• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned and dried wood.
• Never let the fire smolder. Think of smoke as wasted energy.
• Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside away from flammable materials.
• Don't use Christmas trees for firewood.

Electrical Outlets

• There is often a tendency to overload wall outlets during the holiday season. This is an unsafe practice and should be avoided even for short duration's.
• Inspect all cords before using. Look for loose connections or frayed or exposed wire. Discard any defective cords.
• Use cords which are CSA certified. Consult your supplier and read the labels and manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper use.
• Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact may cause overheating or produce shock.
• To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord which is in use and do not run it under carpets or rugs.

The Kitchen

Grease and fat fires are a leading cause of home fires in Canada, so be extra careful
when doing this kind of cooking.

Here's what to do if grease in a pot or pan catches fire

• Smother the flames by covering the pan with a lid.
• Turn off the heat immediately.
• Use baking soda (flour can be explosive) on shallow grease fires.
• Never turn on the overhead fan, as this could spread the fire.
• Never throw water on a grease fire.

Gift Suggestions

• Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC) approved home smoke alarm
• CSA certified carbon monoxide detector
• ULC approved ABC fire extinguisher
• Candle snuffer
• CSA certified thermostatically controlled deep fryer

This article is supplied courtesy of the Canada Safety Council