COQUITLAM, B.C., Nov. 24, 2022 – As you get ready for the holiday season and the colder, longer evenings, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue has simple fire safety tips to protect your family and home.
- Use approved light sets only. Do not overload circuits, check all light sets prior to use and discard any that are frayed or damaged, and use proper clips (not staples) to install outdoors. Always turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Ensure all home heating appliances, like furnaces, gas fireplaces, chimneys, or space heaters are in good working condition. Remember to place portable devices at least 1 metre away from flammable materials.
- Cooking brings family and friends together during the holiday season, but did you know that kitchen fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? Please remember to pay attention while cooking and never leave it unattended.
- A candle’s open flame can easily ignite anything – choose battery-operated “flameless” candles as an alternative.
- If using a real cut tree, select one that is fresh (with needles that are difficult to pull off the branches), make a fresh cut off the bottom, immerse the trunk in water (replenishing daily) and place it at least 1 metre away from heat sources.
- Called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless and colourless gas created when fuels, such as natural gas, burn incompletely in the home. It can cause serious illness and even be fatal. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location of your home following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Check that there is a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, and that all family members can recognize its sound – smoke alarms save lives.
- Make sure your family has an emergency escape plan and that all family members know of and practice at least two ways out, both at night and during daylight hours. Children should be taught how to escape on their own in case no one is able to assist them.
For more information visit www.coquitlam.ca/seasonalsafety.
Media contact:
Denise Ziebart, Fire Inspector
Fire Prevention Office
firerescue@coquitlam.ca
604-927-6400