Cheerful lights of Christmas bring a special warmth to the holiday season, but each year
tragedy strikes somewhere through fires or other accidents. Fire safety precautions should
head the list of every sensible family's precautions for Christmas. There is no place like home
for the holidays, there is also no place like home for Christmas fire hazards. It would take an
entire book to write a safety manual for Christmas time. In this article we will touch upon a
few.
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Smoke alarms won't prevent or extinguish fires in your home but they can save lives and prevent
injuries. If smoke alarms are properly maintained and batteries replaced regularly they will alert you
and your family to the presence of smoke and fire in time for you to escape. Take a few minutes before
the holiday season to check the operation of the detector. Vacuum the detector regularly to get rid of
all the dust particles and in some cases insects. |
If you plan to use a natural tree don't purchase a tree that has dried out. Test the needles
by bending them. If they are brittle don't purchase the tree. Store the tree outdoors until you erect the tree. When you
put the tree up, re-cut the butt diagonally. Stand the tree in water and maintain a water supply. Set up the tree
away from drapes and from heat sources such as fireplaces, tv sets or radiators. Do not allow the tree to
block access to doors or windows. In the event of a fire these may be the only exits you have. Switch off
the tree lights at bedtime or when you are leaving the house. Remove the tree from the house as soon as
possible after the Christmas celebrations.
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Many fires at Christmas time are caused by faulty electrical lights or wiring. Only use CSA
certified lighting sets and only non-flammable decorations. Check old strings of lights for worn insulation, broken
plugs or loose bulb sockets. Special effects and contrasts in colour can be achieved with the use of
spotlights or floodlights. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. On outdoor
displays sockets must be hung with the bulb pointing downward. When replacing burned out bulbs always
unplug the power supply first and make sure the replacement lamp is the right kind. An overloaded circuit
will cause overheating and a fire hazard. If a fuse blows or the circuit breaker trips, turn off and unplug one
or more appliances or string of lights. Proper planning for Christmas lighting enhances safety, but also
will help you to get the best out of your display.
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Every home should have at least one working fire extinguisher. The extinguisher should be
mounted near an exit door away from stoves and other heating appliances. You should take a few minutes to read the operating
instructions before a fire happens. Not all extinguishers work the same. The time it takes for you to read the
instructions the fire could be out of control. After a fire has started it is no time to learn. Generally most
extinguishers work the same. Remember the word PASS.
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Pull the pin - on some models you have to remove a locking pin or lever |
Aim low - direct the hose nozzle or cone at the base of the fire |
Squeeze the handle - this will release the contents of the extinguisher |
Sweep from side to side - move slowly forward as the fire goes out |
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Before you try to fight even a small fire remember to:
- Evacuate the building
- Call the Fire Department
- Make sure the fire is small enough to handle safely
- Keep your back to an unobstructed exit
- Make sure your extinguisher is the proper one for the job, and you know how to use it
- Most home fire extinguishers are designed to handle small, contained fires |