From December 12 to 23, fire departments across Ontario are promoting a different fire safety theme each day, with tips on what you can do to keep the holidays fire safe.

Holiday fire safety tips can be found by following and subscribing to @ONFireMarshal on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Kingsville Fire Department on Facebook.

4. Holiday safety starts with SMOKE ALARMS.

A smoke alarm is more than a sound – it’s a lifeline in a fire. When it’s missing, damaged or disabled, the consequences can be fatal. That’s why communities across Ontario are making smoke alarm safety a priority.

● Install alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home.
● Test them monthly by pressing the test button.
● Change batteries annually.
● Replace units every 10 years according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Your early warning may be your best chance.

5. Holiday safety starts with CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS.

You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. But you can protect your loved ones from it with a working carbon monoxide alarm. That’s why communities across Ontario are making carbon monoxide safety a household standard.

● Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas and starting January 1st, Ontario Fire
Code changes will require you to also install them on every storey of your home. Learn more at Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide.
● Test them monthly by pressing the test button and change batteries annually.
● Evacuate immediately if the alarm sounds and call 9-1-1 from outside the building.

Replace carbon monoxide alarms every 10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions. A working carbon monoxide alarm is the simplest gift you can give your family this season.

6. Holiday safety starts with proper use of EXTENSION CORDS.

Holiday decorations often come with extra plugs – which can mean extra danger. That’s why communities across Ontario are promoting safe power practices.

● Look for approved extension cords with certification marks like CSA, ULC, or ETL and rated for indoor or outdoor use.
● Extension cords should not be linked together – instead, use an extension cord that is long enough to do the job.
● Don’t overload a circuit, and never run cords under rugs or across doorways where they can be damaged or cause tripping.
● Inspect cords for damage before use, and discard if frayed.
● Unplug decorations when you leave.

Holiday lights shine brightest when safety comes first.

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Protect your loved ones. Protect your home.

Let’s keep Ontario safe – together. From every community across the province, let’s make this a fire-safe holiday season.

Image by NiklasPntk from Pixabay