Celebrate 12 days of Christmas safety
On the first day of Christmas — ensure your Christmas lights conform to CSA or ULC Standards. If using exterior lights, ensure they are plugged into a GFI-protected outlet.
On the second day of Christmas — never place candles near Christmas trees, furnishings, or other combustibles.
Candle with Care! Make use of LED battery operated candles, they are much safer.
On the third day of Christmas — make sure your family and any visitors staying for the Holidays know what to do in an emergency. Make a fire escape plan.
On the fourth day of Christmas — decorations can burn very easily. Don’t attach them to lights or heaters.
On the fifth day of Christmas — Never overload electrical outlets. Take advantage of lower wattage, cooler LED lights. Always turn off lights before going to bed and unplug cords.
On the sixth day of Christmas —celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risks of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
On the seventh day of Christmas — most residential fires start in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended.
On the eighth day of Christmas — if you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, ensure you have a safe product and follow all safety regulations.
On the ninth day of Christmas — make sure any smoking materials are completely extinguished before going to bed.
On the 10th day of Christmas — test your smoke alarm once a month.
On the 11th day of Christmas — keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children. Never leave burning candles unattended. When you go out – Blow out.
On the 12th day of Christmas — take time to check on elderly relatives and neighbors this Holiday Season. Make sure they are fire safe.
Bigfork Fire Department responded to sixty-one (61) incidents in the month of November: Emergency medical service incident (4), EMS call, excluding vehicle accident with injury (37), Vehicle accident with injuries (4), Motor vehicle accident with no injuries (6), Gas leak (natural or LPG) (2). Smoke or odor removal (1), Animal rescue (1), Public service assistance (1), Dispatched or canceled en route (2), Authorized controlled burning (1), Alarm system sounded, no fire (2).
Happy Holidays from the Bigfork Fire Department!!
— Wayne Loeffler, Chief