Celebrate safely: Central York Fire Services shares holiday fire prevention tips

This holiday season Central York Fire Services (CYFS) encourages everyone to make fire safety part of their celebrations. With more time spent cooking and entertaining, it’s important to stay alert. Unattended cooking remains the leading cause of fires in Ontario.

CYFS recommends the following tips for a fire-safe holiday season:

Manage decorations:

• Do not overload outlets with extension cords and outlet extenders as this can cause overheating which can start a fire.
• Water fresh trees daily and always keep the base of your Christmas tree trunk in water. Keep Christmas trees away from any ignition sources such as a fireplace, heaters, or candles.

Watch what you heat:

• Make a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around stoves and hot food prep areas.
• If a grease fire starts, cover it with a lid—never use water.
• Monitor anyone cooking under the influence. Impairment is a common factor in fatal fires.

Go flameless:

• Use battery-powered candles. If using real ones, keep them away from pets and children, place them in sturdy holders, and extinguish them before leaving the room.
• Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach. If you smoke, keep one lighter or matchbook with you, smoke outdoors, and use deep ashtrays.

Be prepared:

• Protect your family with working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. If your home has a fuel-fired appliance or an attached garage – you must have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside all sleeping areas in your residence.
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries and expiration dates. Make sure they work when you need them!
• Make a home escape plan and practice it with everyone in your home. In the case of an emergency, evacuate the home and dial 9-1-1 from your chosen meeting location.
• Plan ahead by assembling a 72-hour kit in the event of a power outage or weather emergency. Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries, and any other items important to your family like medications or assisted devices.

Follow CYFS on Facebook, Instagram and X for more holiday tips.