The Holiday season is the best time for cooking and for decorating. Garlands, Christmas trees and candles bring light and sparkle to our homes, while sweet scents fill every room. This year, even though gatherings are forbidden due to COVID-19, we must follow recommendations in order to stay safe during the Holidays.
Montréal’s fire department (SIM) recommends the following:
Christmas trees
- Place your Christmas tree far from heat sources (baseboards, heaters, fireplace, etc.)
- Turn off the Christmas lights on your tree at bedtime, and when you leave the house.
- Keep your tree outdoors and in the shade as long as possible in order to prevent it from drying.
- Cut about 1cm off the base of the trunk before placing it in a water-filled container.
- Add water daily to the base of the trunk.
Candles and lights
- Turn off indoor and outdoor lights and decorations before bedtime and when you leave your home.
- Place candles out of the reach of children or pets, where they cannot be tipped over.
- Shield candle flames using a fire-proof container.
- Put out all candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
Emergency exists
- Make sure that all emergency exits, windows and balconies are visible, accessible and that access to the roadway is cleared of snow at all times.
Appliances (gas, propane, ethanol and wood)
- Make sure that your fireplace or gas, propane or ethanol stove are unencumbered.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector.
- Keep an eye on natural gas or propane kitchen appliances.
- Let ashes cool outside for seven days before discarding them.
Smoke alarms
- Make sure that your smoke alarms are properly installed and in good working order.
- Install smoke alarms powered by a long-lasting lithium battery having a lifespan of 10 years.
Kitchen
- Use a timer while cooking on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Do not leave your stove unattended while cooking.
The SIM wishes you a safe and pleasant Holiday season!