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Chatham

Tips To Avoid Lumps Of Coal

Don't let your holiday plans go up in flames.

Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services is providing residents with tips on how to keep your family and your home safe during the holidays.

Public Educator Whitney Burk says when it comes to Christmas trees there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

"Regardless of if you have a real or fake Christmas tree, you always want to make sure that you keep them away from heat sources," says Burk. "If you have a real tree, it's very important to make sure that tree stays hydrated."

However, Christmas trees are not the most common culprit behind house fires this time of year.

"When it comes to safety, the biggest worry that the fire department has is actually when it comes to cooking around the holidays," she says. "A house full of family can be distracting so we just want to remind people to keep an eye on what they're cooking, to stay in the kitchen, and to be extra cautious if there's alcohol involved."

In the past few months, Burk says they have been called about a few stove-top fires. If this should happen, Burk recommends putting out small flames with a pot cover or using a fire extinguisher. If a fire should get out of control, she says it's best to get out of the house and call for help.

"Make sure your family has a meeting spot and of course call 911," she says.

The Chatham-Kent fire department is once again reminding residents to check for working fire and carbon monoxide alarms. Officials are offering residents the gift of a free alarm check as part of the "CHIRP program". Those looking to take the fire department up on their offer can call (519) 360-1998 or visit ckfes.ca.

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