12 Days of Holiday Fire and CO Safety

The 12 Days of Holiday Fire and CO Safety are here! 

Each year, the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council, Kidde, the Municipality of Kincardine, and Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services want you to remember to practice safety over the holiday season. It's easier to put your feet up and relax when you know you're well-prepared for any emergency - and the holidays!

Plus, you've got a chance to win just by listening to Shoreline Classics radio at 95.5 FM in Kincardine or on the iHeart Radio App from December 12th to the 23rd, 2024!

Tip #1 - Thursday, December 12th

Holiday lights. Use outdoor-rated LED lights and hang with nail-free clips this year. Cut your loss and toss damaged strings - an electrical fire is a sure bet for a lousy holiday. Make the holidays even brighter with working smoke alarms.

Tip #2 - Friday, December 13th

Tree watering. Falling needles = a dried out tree and potential fire. Don't be a statistic: water your tree daily, keep heat sources away from the tree including furnace vents and non-LED lights. The best gifts under that tree are working smoke alarms in your home!

Tip #3 - Saturday, December 14th

Candles and decorations. Holiday decorations and open flames are a fire hazard all too common this season. Use battery-powered candles, keep candles away from pets and children, put candles in sturdy containers and always blow out when you leave the room. Make the holidays happy with working smoke alarms!

Tip #4 - Sunday, December 15th

Smoke alarms. 'Tis the season for fire safety! Most fatal fires occur during the holidays. When seconds matter, a working smoke alarm is the gift of time in the event of a fire. An alarm on every story, tested monthly, and batteries replaced annually, is the best gift you'll give your family this season. Make the holidays happy with working smoke alarms!

Tip #5 - Monday, December 16th

Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and deadly gas that can cause flu-like symptoms. A CO alarm can alert you to a potential CO emergency with four beeps and is the best way to protect your family from The Silent Killer. Make the holidays even happier with working smoke and CO alarms!

Tip #6 - Tuesday, December 17th

Extension cords. Extension cords should only be used with certified devices as a temporary solution. If you need more power, call a licensed electrician for more outlets, don't overload a circuit, and never run cords under a rug. Plug into holiday fire safety this year with working smoke alarms!

Tip #7 - Wednesday, December 18th

Kids in the kitchen. Holiday baking with children this holiday season? Keep an eye on your bakers and remember to never leave the oven unattended. Safety first, cookies second! Make your holidays cheerful and sound - test your smoke alarms year-round!

Tip #8 - Thursday, December 19th

Home fire escape plans. Give your family the gift of peace of mind with a home fire escape plan and have two ways out of every room to ensure your loved ones are prepared for the worst so you can focus on the best: festive cheer! Make the holidays happy with working smoke alarms and a plan to get out safely!

Tip #9 - Friday, December 20th

Cooking. Holidays are stressful. Go slow in the kitchen and avoid being a statistic. 17% of fires in Ontario are cooking-related, mostly caused when the stove is left unattended. Be mindful when cooking and never leave the kitchen while using a stove. A working smoke alarm is your best ingredient this holiday season!

Tip #10 - Saturday, December 21st

Heating sources. Practice fire safety this Winter Solstice with space heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces. Keep at least one meter (3 feet) distance between your heat source and combustibles, like paper and fabrics. Make the holidays happy with working smoke alarms!

Tip #11 - Sunday, December 22nd

Smoking. Cigarettes are Ontario's number one cause of fatal fires. This season, have all smoking done outside using deep, sturdy ashtrays. Never flick your butt - a lit butt might be the difference between a holiday to remember and a holiday you'll never forget. Make the holidays happy with working smoke alarms!

Tip #12 - Monday, December 23rd

Lithium-ion batteries. There's a good chance gifts exchanged this season have lithium-ion batteries which may pose a fire risk. Stay fire safe and don't overcharge, use mismatched chargers, homemade batteries, or aftermarket replacements. Make the holidays hapy with working smoke alarms!