Russell Fire Department provides 12 tips to keep safe during the holidays.

“The number of fires and fire-related injuries and fatalities often increase during the holiday

season. Festivities can quickly turn tragic as a result of things such as unattended cooking,

faulty decorative lighting and careless use of candles."

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!

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!

CANDLES & 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!

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

storey, 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!

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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 happy with working smoke alarms!