Nothing makes a cold winters night more cozy or romantic then a roaring fire and candles burning bright. There are a few things to keep in mind though during the holiday season to keep your family and home safe while still enjoying these beautiful parts of the season.
As many homes are now equipped with gas fireplaces, caution is still needed. Be careful to not put decorations, Christmas trees or other items too close to the fireplace and never leave it on when you’re not home or have gone to bed for the night.
Should you still be doing it old school, ensure that the flue is open and that there are no items close to the fireplace. It’s also extremely important to remember that a fireplace does not double as a quick way to get rid of all that holiday wrapping paper and excess boxes.
In both of these cases, it is best to leave the ‘hanging the stockings with care’ for when the fireplace is not in use and to have a fire guard in front of your fireplace. Once you’re done using your fireplace, you should always clear out the ashes and dispose of them in a metal container and away from flammable materials.
When it comes to candles, ensure that you’ve selected stable candle holders and that they are placed on a stable surface and not near curtains, drafty windows and are out of the reach of children and away from where curious pets may knock them over. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) says that one third of candle fires in the home were started in the bedroom. Feel free to keep it hot and steamy, but maybe invest in flameless candles as nothing will ruin the mood quicker than a house fire.
The Chestermere Fire Service is urging residents to pay close attention to fire safety over the holidays as there is an increase in fires that occur over this time of year.
