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 #10-12 —

10. Holiday safety starts with safe HEATING SOURCES.

Heating equipment keeps us warm during cold weather, but if used unsafely, it can lead to fires. Every winter, homes across Ontario experience fires caused by heating equipment. That’s why communities are promoting safe heating practices.

● Have your heating system, vents, and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified technician.
● Ensure woodstoves, fireplaces, and inserts are installed by a qualified professional.
● Always use a fire screen around the fireplace.
● Allow ashes to cool before placing them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and store it outside.
● Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets; never use extension cords.
● Turn off heaters when you leave the room.
● Install a carbon monoxide alarm to protect against deadly carbon monoxide.

A cozy room should never cost you your home, your holiday, or your life.

11. Holiday safety starts with SAFE SMOKING.

One careless moment can change everything. That’s why communities across Ontario are promoting responsible smoking habits.

● Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
● Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and extinguish cigarettes fully. Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which may contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite.
● Never smoke in bed.
● To prevent smoking fires, you must be alert. Avoid smoking when tired or impaired.
● Empty ashes into a metal container – not the garbage can – and keep it outside.

Smoke and celebrate safely.

12. Holiday safety starts with LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SAFETY.

Powering the season should never mean compromising safety. That’s why communities across Ontario are raising awareness about lithium-ion battery safety.

● Charge lithium-ion battery powered devices on hard, flat surfaces, and not on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or under pillows.
● Always use the charger that came with the device and is recommended by the device’s manufacturer. Use certified chargers with the CSA, ULC or ETL certification mark.
● Never leave devices plugged in unattended. Unplug devices when charging is complete.
● If your battery becomes hot, swollen, or damaged, stop using it immediately. Replace it with a battery recommended by the device’s manufacturer.

Charge with care. Celebrate without worry.

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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 Mariya Muschard from Pixabay