Fire safety tips for the holidays

By Adam Inniss

Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency is urging people to be extra cautious when it comes to fire risks this holiday season.

“There are preventable fires all the time,” says Matt Covey, Halifax division’s chief of fire prevention, “but around the holiday season we can get the really weird ones, the tragic ones.”

Covey tells CityNews Halifax, the holidays break routine, which can sometimes lead to unusual and dangerous circumstances.

“Two key issues that we're always worried about are cooking and smoking. There are two number one causes of the fires.”

Covey says parties and big group meals increase these risks. He recommends, if under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to have someone sober help out with the cooking. 

Decorations can also be a risk, “overloading circuits, or using power bars when you shouldn't be, or power bars and any kind of wiring that has damage.”

Covey recommends giving your old holiday decorations an inspection for damage before plugging them in and not overloading plugs or power bars.

He also warns against leaving candles unattended, and reminds everyone to keep their tree watered. 

“A dry tree will go up in flames pretty fast.”

For those with fireplaces in their home eager to get them glowing, Covey recommends checking the chimney.

“Some people only use their fireplace or their stove during the holidays and may not have had it checked.”

He says dust can accumulate, or even animals can get stuck inside, and that can be a big risk.

As always the fire department advises you to check your smoke alarms and keep a non-expired fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

 

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