(Photo courtesy of Myriams-Fotos)
Are you prepared for a fire this holiday season?
The Milton Fire Department is reminding residents to be safe over these next few weeks.
Milton Fire Chief Peter Gatto says there’s an uptick in fires during the holidays.
He adds that over the winter months, you’ll have your furnaces working extra hard to keep your house warm. He says if it’s not maintained properly, the furnace could be a source for a fire.
Another warning provided by Chief Gatto is that, because it’s the holidays and people like to celebrate, residents may be more inclined to have an extra drink or two. For smokers, that could be a fatal decision as you may forget to put your cigarette out or fall asleep with one lit.
Chief Gatto says that if you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s watered regularly.
He adds that when you bring in a combustible source like a natural tree, you increase your risk of a fire.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is whatever you have plugged into an outlet. If you’re overworking an outlet or if you’re using a faulty power cord, you’re putting yourself at risk. Chief Gatto recommends not leaving plugs in outlets if you aren’t actively using those cords. Things like chargers come to mind, but Gatto recommends also unplugging your Christmas lights before going to bed.
It’s important to know what to do in the case of a fire, especially at night when those in the house are sleeping.
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is running the 12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety. It provides tips for each day leading up to Christmas. Give yourself some peace of mind and check the tips out by clicking here.
