With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in full swing, families are focused on gifts, dinners and travelling.
One thing, however, that many people do not take time to think about is fire prevention, and how carelessness could lead to a costly and devastating loss.
A fire hazard in thousands of Regina homes is a natural Christmas tree. It may be a Christmas tradition, but a natural fire hazard which needs major attention.
“When you buy a tree you’ve got to cut off the bottom and within 48 hours, 24 preferably, put it in water because it’s ready to drink,” Frank Moore from Y’s Men’s Christmas Trees said.
Trees need to be watered everyday because they dry out quickly and can go up in flames in only a matter of seconds.
Even simple prevention steps are important.
“Simply unplug any Christmas decorations, any holiday lights, when you go to sleep,” Angela Prawzick from the Regina Fire Department said. “That way the risk of a fire happening from either wiring or overheated light bulbs will simply go away.”
During the holidays dangers can also be found in the kitchen. While entertaining guests, many people do not think twice about leaving a boiling pot unattended.
“People are in the kitchen, they get distracted by a phone call or something else in the home, and they leave the kitchen thinking they’re going to be gone for just a moment,” Prawzick said. “That moment is always much longer and they end up going back to a kitchen that’s full of flames.”
Prawzick also warns of not leaving candles unattended and not hanging flammable materials like stockings and garland in front of fire place openings.
In addition, ensure the home’s smoke alarm is working.
“Check your smoke alarms at this time of year,” Prawzick stressed. “It’s a great gift to give to your family – the gift of an early warning if you ever do have a fire in your home, you’ll have that warning to escape.”
It is a good way to ensure everyone has a happy and safe holiday season.
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