Holiday decorators should think twice about stretching one more year out of that old and frayed string of Christmas lights.
According to Coquitlam Fire/Rescue, only approved lights should be installed and residents should be careful not to overload their circuits. For outdoor displays, lights should be affixed using proper clips, not metal staples, and they should always be turned off before leaving home or going to bed.
"With people getting ready for the holiday season and colder, longer evenings that come with it, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is reminding residents to stay safe this holiday season," the fire department said in a press release.
Emergency officials offered a number of tips to protect residents this year.
Candles should be battery-operated and flameless, and trunks of real Christmas trees should be immersed in water and kept at least one metre away from heat sources to prevent fire.
Holiday revellers should also be mindful when they are in the kitchen, firefighters said.
"During the holiday season, cooking brings family and friends together. It provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing," Coquitlam Fire/Rescue said. "But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? Stay in the kitchen and pay attention while cooking."
Residents should also make sure that their appliances, including gas fireplaces and space heaters, are in good working order and that smoke alarms are working on every level of the home.
For more seasonal safety tips, go to www.coquitlam.ca/seasonalsafety.
