Vernon Fire Rescue offers safety tips for the holidays

Dec 17, 2024 | 4:33 PM

Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is advising people take action to prevent fires over the holidays.

To help prevent fires, VFRS advised people:

Check lights for any damaged cords or loose connections and replace them if necessary
Use clips, not nails, to hand lights
Use flame-resistant or flame-retardent decorations
Keep any flammable materials at least one metre away from heat sources such as furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, or portable heaters
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using a portable heater
Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed
Do not use the oven to heat the home
Do not overload electrical outlets
Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually
Recycle batteries instead of throwing them in the rash

“Taking a few extra steps, like checking your smoke alarms and keeping your Christmas tree away from heat sources, can prevent dangerous situations,” Deputy Fire Chief, Alan Hofsink, said.

Vernon Fire Rescue offers safety tips for the holidays

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