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Holiday Home Safety Tips

With the holiday season in full swing, many households are full of decor and excess clutter this time of year. But according to statistics from the Airdrie Fire Department, fire-related deaths double in Alberta during December, compared to the rest of the year. This is largely due to a lack of safety  with holiday decorations, so here’s some tips to keep you and your home safe this season.

Holiday Lights

  • Use certified lights only, from organizations such as: CSA, ULC, cUL, etc.
  • Use indoor lights inside only, and outdoor lights outside only. Outdoor lights burn too hot for the indoors, and indoor lights aren’t weatherproof for your exterior.
  • Inspect your lights before use, check for cracked bulbs and frayed wires on the strings.
  • A maximum of three light strands should be connected together.
  • Don’t overload your circuits or outlets.
  • Ensure you turn off your lights before you leave the home or go to sleep.

Christmas Trees

  • If you’re going for a real tree, the fresher the better. Older trees tend to be dryer and can be a fire hazard.
  • Cut your tree four centimetres diagonally to absorb water easily.
  • Place your tree away from heat sources, never use candles on your tree.
  • Keep your tree hydrated.
  • Never put tree branches or needles in fireplaces or open heat sources.

Holiday Decorations

  • Choose decorations that are flame-retardant only.
  • Do not use metallic decorations on your Christmas tree or anywhere that could come in contact with heat sources, like lights.
  • Avoid using decorations that have any faults or flaws on them.
  • Recycle wrapping paper and never dispose of it in the fireplace or in an open flame.

If you’re looking for more great holiday safety tips, check out the City of Airdrie website here, where they have a complete guide available. Enjoy the holiday season, and stay safe!