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Keep fire safety in mind this holiday seasonDec 14, 2012 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Edmonton... The holiday season can be wonderful time of year, filled with celebrations with friends and family, but it is also when fires and fire-related deaths increase significantly. "We all want to have a safe and happy holiday season," said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "It's easy to get distracted at this time of year. Taking a few simple steps like keeping your Christmas tree moist and paying extra attention in the kitchen can help keep you and your family safe this December." Statistics show that fire-related deaths in Alberta homes double during the winter holiday season.Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in Alberta. Be extra careful when cooking and remember to never throw water on a grease fire. "Albertans need to make fire safety a part of their holiday plans," said Trent West, Alberta's Fire Commissioner. "Today's household items burn faster, hotter and are more toxic than ever before. Learning how to prevent, detect and escape a fire has never been more critical." With family and friends spending extra time at your home over the holidays, make sure you have working smoke alarms. In case of a fire, make sure everyone knows how to get out safely. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with all members of the household. Once outside, stay outside and call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbour's house. For more information on holiday fire safety visit www.ofc.alberta.ca/holidayfiresafety.cfm Backgrounder: Ten tips for a fire-safe holiday. 1. Never leave cooking unattended. 2. Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home - test it monthly, change the battery yearly, and replace it every 10 years. 3. Water natural Christmas trees daily. 4. Don't overload electrical outlets. 5. Never leave candles unattended. 6. Stub cigarettes out completely and dispose of them safely. 7. Never cook while under the influence of alcohol. 8. Keep flammable materials such as curtains and furniture at least one metre away from space heaters. 9. Store matches and lighters in a child-proof drawer or cabinet. 10. Create and practice a fire escape plan with your whole family. Get out, stay out and call 911. Media inquiries may be directed to: Heather Kaszuba Communications Alberta Municipal Affairs 780-427-8862 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. |