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.

Here are Safety Tips # 7 -9 —

7. Holiday safety starts with SAFE FAMILIES IN THE KITCHEN.

Little hands (or paws!) and holiday heat don’t belong together – keep kids safe while you cook.
That’s why communities across Ontario are empowering adults to protect little ones.
● Show kids how to stay one metre (three feet) away from stoves and ovens.
● Explain why hot surfaces can cause burns.
● Assign safe tasks like mixing or decorating. Supervise kids in the kitchen closely.
● Turn pot handles inward when pots are on the stove so they can not be easily knocked or pulled off the stove.
● Make sure electrical cords are not dangling from countertops, where they could be pulled by small children or pets.
● Cool a burn by running cool water over the wound for 3 to 5 minutes. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.

The holidays should leave warm memories – not lasting injuries.

8. Holiday safety starts with having a HOME FIRE ESCAPE PLAN.

Fire doesn’t wait – and neither should we.
Every year, too many Ontario families face house fires with no escape plan. In those frantic moments, every second counts. The danger is real, but preventable.
Communities across Ontario are making escape planning a household priority. A home fire escape plan is simple – and can mean the difference between life and death.
● Identify two exits from every room.
● Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults or anyone else that may need assistance.
● Choose a safe meeting spot outside, like a tree or lamp post across the street.
● Once out, stay out.
● Call 9-1-1 from outside of the home.
● Practice the plan with everyone in your household at least twice a year. Practice at night and during the daytime.
● Review your plan every year.

When the smoke alarm sounds, there’s no time to plan – only time to act.

9. Holiday safety starts with SAFE COOKING.

The kitchen is the heart of the home – and the number one source of holiday fires.
That’s why communities across Ontario are reminding families to cook with care.
● Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
● Keep anything that can burn – oven mitts, towels, plastic utensils – away from the stovetop.
● Always have a lid nearby. If a pot catches fire, turn off the stove and slide the lid over the pot to extinguish the fire.
● Remind kids about kitchen safety.

The best holiday recipes start with attention, not just ingredients.

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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.

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