Holiday fire safety

Medicine Hat – With the holiday season upon us, Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services (MHFES) encourages residents to prioritize fire and life safety during this time.

“During the holidays, our routines change - we decorate our homes, travel, cook elaborate meals, and purchase gifts that may come with added risks,” says Kelli Ireland, Fire and Life Safety Educator. “The season should be a joyous time with family and friends and not spent in distress or in a hospital waiting room.”

Following a few simple tips can help keep your family safe this season:

• Never leave cooking unattended. Kitchens are the leading cause of home fires.
• Water real trees regularly. A dry tree can ignite in seconds—watch this video!
• Handle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries carefully. Purchase electronics from reputable retailers and always follow manufacturer charging recommendations to reduce fire risks.
• Never leave candles or space heaters unattended. Always blow out candles or turn off heaters before leaving the room or home.
• Secure your ladder when hanging lights. Use caution to prevent falls or accidents.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Too many plugs and extension cords can overheat and cause fires.
• Keep exits clear. Make sure your Christmas tree and decorations aren’t blocking exits such as windows or doors and have a practiced escape plan.
• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries annually and change your alarms every ten years, or earlier if not working.
• In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

For more holiday safety information, visit medicinehat.ca/fire. MHFES wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

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