NEWS RELEASE
CAMBRIDGE FIRE
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The Cambridge Fire Department (CFD) is reminding residents to keep fire safety top of mind with their annual “12 Days of Holiday Safety” initiative.
From Dec. 12 to Dec. 23, the department will share daily safety tips and reminders to help residents enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
Fires often happen when we’re least expecting them, especially during the holidays when the hustle and bustle of visitors, celebrations, and distractions like cellphones or children can cause us to let our guard down.
The tips are designed to raise awareness of common safety risks and also provide advice to prevent accidents and emergencies.
The “12 Days of Holiday Safety” covers a number of safety risks from holiday decorations to electrical and CO alarm safety. One of the leading cause of fires during the holiday season is from smoking. Those who smoke should make sure to extinguish cigarettes in large deep ashtrays – not in plant pots which may contain peat moss or shredded bark that can easily ignite. Ashes should be emptied in a metal container, not a garbage can, and put outside.
Residents should also maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their homes. Install smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. CO alarms are legally required outside all bedrooms where a fuel fired appliance is installed or an attached garage. Test smoke and CO alarms every month, (check the expiry date) and install new batteries if needed.
Enjoy a fire safe holiday season by following these additional tips:
- Always stay in the kitchen when something is cooking on the stove
- Place lit candles away from anything that can burn and out of the reach of children and pets so they can’t be knocked over. Remember to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Consider using battery-operated candles instead
- Drink responsibly. Attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol is often a contributing factor in fatal fires
- Make sure the bases of real Christmas trees are always immersed in water, to prevent them from getting too dry
- Check all sets of decorative lights before putting them up and discard any sets that are damaged
- Lights and accessory appliances should be ULC/CSA approved and plugged directly into an electrical outlet. Seek out a licensed electrician if you require any electrical work to be done
- Develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that everyone in your home knows what to do if the smoke or CO alarms sound
CFD encourages everyone to check out their "12 Days of Holiday Safety” or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X where we’ll be sharing practical tips to help reduce risks.
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