Avoid the tragedy distraction can cause, says fire chief

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE MARIE FIRE SERVICES
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The snow is on the ground and the holiday season has arrived. Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services and Fire Chief Peter Johnson have a holiday wish that needs help of the community to make it come true.

“I’m wishing for a fire-free holiday season this year,” said Chief Johnson. “But I need everyone in our community to make this come true!”

While fire can happen anywhere, at any time, it most often strikes when we let our guard down - when we’re distracted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays, by our cellphones, by the kids or by the doorbell. All it takes is for a pot to be left on the stove, or a candle left burning unattended, and a family’s holiday celebrations can turn to tragedy.

“Never leave a cooking pot unattended on the stove,” said Deputy Chief Paul Milosevich, “Consider using battery-operated or electric flameless candles.”

Smoking is another leading cause of fires during the holiday season. “Make sure smokers extinguish cigarettes in large deep ashtrays – not in plant pots which may contain peat moss or shredded bark that can easily ignite,” said Public Education Officer Aaron Gravelle, “Ashes should be emptied in a metal container – not the garbage can – and put outside.”

Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services also reminds you to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. CO alarms are required outside all bedrooms. Test your smoke and CO alarms every month and install new batteries if needed.

Enjoy a fire safe holiday season by following these 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 where they can’t be knocked over. Remember to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Consider using battery-operated or electric flameless candles;
• Drink responsibly. Attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol is too often a contributing factor in fatal fires;
• Make sure the base of real Christmas trees are immersed in water at all times, to prevent them from getting too dry;
• Check all sets of decorative lights before putting them up and discard any sets that are damaged;
• 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.

For more information visit www.saultstemarie.ca/firesafe or by phone at (705) 949-3333.

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