Holiday Fire Safety

Christmas Holiday Fire Safety

Taking responsibility for your family’s safety is important every day. It rings especially true around the holidays, historically one of the most dangerous times of the year.

The following "12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety" tips were developed to prevent the most common types of home fires that occur during the holiday season.

Water fresh trees daily.
Check all sets of lighting before decorating to ensure they are in good condition.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms.
Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms.
Make sure everyone knows how to get out safely if a fire occurs.
Use extension cords wisely.
Give space heaters space.
When you go out, blow out all candles.
Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.
Watch what you heat! Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
Keep a close eye on anyone in your household who consumes alcohol while cooking or smoking.

Halloween Safety

Halloween is an exciting day for children. Keep the following safety guidelines in mind to ensure you have a safe and spooktacular Halloween. Before heading out, also check the Health Unit guidelines to celebrate Halloween the safe way.

- Keep the path leading up to your door free of obstacles for the little ones, especially those with masks who might have trouble seeing in dim light.
- Keep pets indoors on Halloween to protect them from hazards and prevent them from being aggressive to visitors.
- Before you light those candles in your pumpkin, consider using inexpensive safety glow sticks or flameless candles.
- Wear a light-coloured or bright costume. Use reflective tape or arm bands to heighten visibility.
- Wear a costume that is properly fitted to reduce the chance of tripping on it.
- Select a costume that is constructed from flame-retardant materials.
- Make sure vision is not restricted. Consider completing your costume with make-up rather than masks. Masks may require that the eye-holes be cut larger for the sake of good peripheral vision.
- Shoes should fit properly even if they do not go well with a costume.
- If a child's costume requires the use of props, such as a flexible plastic sword, make sure the sharp tip is cut or filed round.
- Glow sticks are an excellent way to increase a child's visibility. Consider creating a fun necklace with string to ensure kids will want to wear them as part of their costumes.
- Accessorize with a flashlight!
- Bring a flashlight
- Walk instead of running
- Stay on the sidewalks (if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the street facing traffic)
- Avoid jaywalking
- Do not cut across lawns or take short-cuts
- Take masks off when walking from one house to the next
- Do not go inside houses and do not get into vehicles
- Only visit houses that are lit
- Stay away from animals you are not familiar with
- Vandalism is not just a 'trick' - it is against the law and has consequences.
- Be aware of the route your children plan to follow.
- If you are unable to take them out yourself, consider asking another parent, an older sibling or a babysitter to do the honours for you.
- Ensure your child wears a watch so you can establish an agreed upon curfew.
- Teach your children to recognize the places along their route where they can obtain help: Police Station, Fire Station or any other well indicated public place.
- Although tampering of loot is rare, remind children that they must have their candy inspected by their parents or guardian prior to eating them.

Holiday Fire Safety

Christmas Holiday Fire Safety

Halloween Safety​​

Halloween Safety