Holiday season safety tips

As the holiday season approaches, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) reminds residents to take simple precautions to ensure safety and prevent fires. December is one of the busiest months for home fires, but many can be prevented by taking simple precautions with cooking, decorating and home safety. 

Holiday Safety Tips

1. Cooking Safety
   • Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling or broiling.
   • Keep combustible items like oven mitts and dish towels away from the stove. 
   • If a grease fire occurs, smother the flames with a lid and turn off the burner – never use water. 
     
     
2. Decoration Safety
   • Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires or broken sockets before use. 
   • Use only lights certified by a recognized testing laboratory (CSA or ULC) and avoid overloading outlets. 
   • Keep combustible decorations away from heat sources, such as candles, fireplaces and space heaters. 
     
     
3. Heating Safety
   • Maintain at least 1 metre of clearance between space heaters and anything that can burn, and always turn them off before leaving the room. 
   • Ensure chimneys and fireplaces are clean and inspected annually.
   • Use battery-operated candles as a safer alternative to open flames.
      
4. Clear Exit Pathways
   • Keep exits free from decorations, packages, boots, or furniture to ensure a quick escape in an emergency.
   • Regularly practice your home fire escape plan with all household members. 
     
     

Holiday safety begins with simple proactive steps. For more tips on how to keep your home safe this season, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/tips-holiday-safety.html 

For Public Inquiries:

Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.