Clarington Emergency and Fire Services shares tips for a safe and joyful holiday season

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services encourages merrymakers to remember some important tips for holiday safety this season. Follow these 12 tips to make your holiday season safer—and more memorable:

Holiday lights. You don't need to be Clark Griswold to shine bright with lights this holiday! Consider using LED lights and hang outdoor lights with nail-free clips. Throw out damaged strings—an electrical fire is a sure bet for a lousy holiday.

Candles and decorations. Fires caused by open flames from candles are all too common this season. Keep candles away from pets and children, put the candle in a sturdy container, and always blow them out when you leave the room. Battery-powered candles are a great alternative.

Smoke alarms. Fatal fires are more common during the holidays. When seconds matter, a working smoke alarm can make all the difference in the event of a fire. An alarm on every storey, tested monthly, and batteries replaced annually, is probably the best gift you can give your family this season.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms. Unlike fruitcake, it's odourless. Unlike your uncle's ugly Christmas sweater, it's invisible. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that can cause flu-like symptoms. A CO alarm alerts you to a potential CO emergency with four beeps and is the best way to protect your family from this silent killer.

Tree watering. Falling needles are your tree's way of telling you it's drying out and is a fire waiting to happen. Avoid being a statistic and water your tree daily. Set up your tree away from heat sources such as furnace vents, and consider using LED lights to decorate it.

Extension cords. Getting wound up in the holiday spirit? Fire and electric shock are not on anyone's list this season. Avoid overloading a circuit and never run extension cords under a rug. If you need more outlets, have them installed by a licensed electrician: extension cords are only a temporary solution.

Kids and pets in the kitchen. Holiday baking with children this holiday season? Make sure to keep an eye on those little bakers—and your furry friends hoping for a snack—when you’re preparing food. Remember to never leave the oven unattended. Safety first, cookies second!

Home fire escape planning. Santa needs one way out of your home—you need at least two. Plan for two escape routes out of a burning home; that way you and your loved ones are prepared for the worst so you can focus on the best: festive cheer!

Cooking. Holidays can be stressful enough—but it's important to remember to slow things down in the kitchen. Seventeen per cent of fires in Ontario are cooking-related, and they mostly happen when the stove is left unattended. Be mindful when cooking and never leave the kitchen while using a stove.

Heating sources. Stay safe while you’re staying warm. Space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces are all great ideas until an accident happens. Keep at least one metre (three feet) distance between your heat source and flammable materials like paper, fabrics and your uncle’s ugly Christmas sweater.

Smoking. Lit cigarettes are the number one cause of fatal fires in Ontario. This season, have all smoking done outside using deep, sturdy ashtrays. Never flick your butt—it might make the holiday unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

Lithium-Ion batteries. A new, festive, battery-powered toy can be exciting but it can also cause a fire if not treated with care. Always monitor the toy or device when it is charging; read the manufacturer's instructions for safe charging and do not exceed the recommended charging time.

You’ll also hear these tips on local radio from December 9 to 11, featuring representatives from Enbridge Gas, as part of the 12 Days of Holiday safety campaign. This partnership with Enbridge Gas will provide important safety information during a time of year when there’s typically an increase in fire-related emergencies.

The firefighters in your community wish you a safe and memorable holiday season!