Tis the season to be jolly and with all the festivities taking place, the Owen Sound Fire Department is asking you to keep safety in mind.
Fire Prevention Officer Greg Nicol says the holiday season is one of the deadliest times of the year for home fires.
Nicol is urging you to be especially vigilant as you prepare that Christmas feast.
He says cooking is major cause of home fires, especially when you add in all the distractions of the holidays.
Nicol says it only takes a second for a fire to start so you need to monitor your pots and pans at all time.
He says if the doorbell or the phone rings – turn off the burner before you do anything else.
Nicol says if a fire does start you should not move the pot but smother it with a lid and turn off the burner.
Nicol says with all the festive eating going on there are sure to be drinks served as well.
He says you should drink responsibly and keep an eye on those who don’t because excessive alcohol consumption is another factor in many home fires.
When it comes to holiday decorations, Nicol says candles should be placed in sturdy holders with a glass shade and placed away from children, pets, and combustible items.
He says your Christmas lights should be fairly new with good wiring and you need to make sure you don’t overload any sockets.
As for the Christmas tree itself – keep it watered or Nicol recommends you go artificial.
Finally, Nicol reminds you it’s another good time of year to check your smoke alarms.
Nicol says in the end it comes down to common sense when making sure your family enjoys a happy and safe holiday season.