Make fire safety part of your festive celebrations

This holiday season, the Oakville Fire department urges the community to focus on fire safety, making celebrations safe and memorable for everyone. 

This year, Oakville Fire is encouraging residents to ensure safety when using devices and decor powered by lithium-ion batteries. This could include electronic toys, smart phones, laptops, eBikes, eMobility devices and others. 

Follow these safety tips:

• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch 
• Charge on a hard surface, with sufficient airflow around the device 
• Never charge on or near flammable items  
• Unplug devices when fully charged
• Check device cords for wear and tear, and replace if they are damaged 
• Use only the charging cord that came with the device
• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory

For more details, visit the Government of Canada's Lithium-ion batteries page, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs’ webpage about Lithium-ion battery concerns and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council’s Charged for Life page.

General fire safety tips

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test push button on the alarm. Replace them every 10 years.
• Candle safety: Keep candles at least a foot away from anything that can burn. When you go out of the room, blow out the candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Where possible, use battery-operated candles. 
• Festive lights, trees and decor: Replace frayed or damaged strings of lights or cords, never string extensions together, be sure to water Christmas trees daily and discard them when they are dry and begin to drop needles. Keep decorations or any combustible items three feet away from open flame and heat sources. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• Cooking safety: Remember to stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove. Develop and practise a home escape plan with everyone in your home.  

For more information and tips, visit the Winter Holiday Fire Safety page.