Tips to keep your family safe during the holidays

The holidays bring lots of opportunities for family fun and great gatherings, with home-cooked feasts, bright lights, decorations and evergreen trees in the living room. But be sure to take a few small precautions to keep your family safe during all the activity.

In the kitchen:

1. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove. 


2. Keep children away from the stove, hot food, hot liquids, steam and cooking splash.


3. Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags. 


4. Keep knives, matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children. 


5. Avoid dangling cords from an electric knife, coffee maker or other appliances over the counter within easy reach of a child. 


6. Test smoke alarms.

Inside and outside the house: 

1. Find a freshly cut tree, as they are more resistant to catching fire. Keep it watered and away from flames.


2. Discard holiday light strings with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections.


3. Make sure electrical items such as light strings, extension cords, spotlights, etc. are certified by UL.


4. Keep outdoor light electrical connections off the ground and away from metal objects. Use insulated tape or plastic clips to fasten them.


5. Use an outdoor timer to switch lights on and off. Wait until 7 p.m. to avoid peak electricity hours. Turn them off when you leave home or go to bed.


6. Use only one extension cord for each need. Never string them together.


7. Don’t use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked or broken.

Sources: CSA International, National Fire Protection Agency