Fire Chief Darren MacAulay is reminding Wrenford residents to stay safe this holiday season after the festive period has passed. While the celebrations are over, the risk of home fires stays high through January. Here is what you can do to protect your house and family.
Christmas trees and decorations
Pick a freshly cut tree and keep its stand filled with water every day. A dry tree catches fire quickly. Keep it at least two metres away from heaters, fireplaces, and sunny windows. Remove the tree within 14 days of bringing it home. When you are done with it, drop it off at the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility or your local yard waste depot between December 26 and January 31.
Check all light strings before you hang them. Look for cracked bulbs or frayed wires, and throw away anything that looks worn. Use only Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified lights. Turn all holiday lights off before you go to bed or leave the house.
Cooking and candles
Most home fires start in the kitchen. Stay in the room when you cook on the stovetop. If a pan catches fire, calmly slide a lid over it to smother the flames. Never use water on a grease fire.
If you use candles, place them on a steady, heat-proof surface. Stay in the room while they are burning, and blow them out completely before leaving. For fireplaces and wood stoves, make sure they have been professionally inspected and cleaned this fall. Keep stockings and decorations far away from the flames.
Ice safety and smoke alarms
Winter air temperatures in Wrenford can change quickly. Stay off the ice on the Tamsin River, Ambrel Lake, and Corvid Creek. The City does not test ice thickness. If you see someone fall through, call 9-1-1 right away.
Test your smoke alarms and make sure you have a home fire escape plan. Place alarms in every sleeping room and in the hallway outside. Keep bedroom doors closed at night to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
"A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your loved ones safe," says Fire Chief Darren MacAulay. "Please take a moment this week to check your alarms and review your escape routes."
For more tips on fire safety, please visit Fire Rescue or Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. You can also call the Fire Prevention Office at 519-555-0115 or contact City Services at 519-555-0100.