Safe, happy holiday parties

4 minutes
Un enfant tient une bougie allumée

Are you looking forward to the holidays? Delicious food, get-togethers with family and friends, loads of gifts... it's like the most wonderful time of the year! However, for apartment building owners and condo associations, it can also be a cause for concern.

Between the constant cooking, the flammable decorations and the few remaining smokers, there are still plenty of fire hazards out there. But don’t break up the party just yet! Simply share these reminders with your building occupants.

Christmas lights and decorations

What would the holidays be without lights and decorations? They make things festive, it's true. But beware: when misused, they can cause fires or electrocution. Follow these precautions to decorate safely.

Lights

  • Use indoor or outdoor lights accordingly.
  • LEDs are preferable because they consume less energy and give off less heat, reducing the risk of fire.
  • Inspect wires before plugging them in. Damaged plugs and wires should be properly disposed of.
  • If you’re the type to put up tons of lights, use a power strip. This will distribute the electrical load more evenly and avoid overheating.
  • Use caution when putting up lights that are powered by lithium batteries.

Trees and other decorations

Real or fake? Fake trees made of flame-retardant PVC are the safest choice.

When it comes to real trees, the best way to prevent fire is to make sure they don’t dry out. So, consider:

  • Buying it as late as possible (never before December).
  • Choosing a freshly cut tree.
  • Placing it in water and checking water levels daily.

Opt for fire-resistant decorations. Keep all other decorations away from heaters, fireplaces and other sources of heat.

Cigarette-related fires

When it comes to smoking at parties, whether it be the guests or the host, it's easy for people to let their guard down, especially when alcohol is involved.

Cigarette butts and other smoking materials can quickly become a fire hazard.

To protect your building from cigarette-related fire:

  • Set up a safe outdoor smoking area with ashtrays to prevent smokers from  discarding their cigarette butts in flowerbeds and flowerpots.
  • Post clear signage inside and outside the building to indicate where smoking is prohibited and where to dispose of cigarette butts.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Did you know?

Even though the number of smokers has dropped considerably in the last 20 years, fires caused by smoking materials remain frequent. In Canada, cigarettes are the leading cause of residential fires (This hyperlink will open in a new tab).

A safe holiday season in the kitchen

Yummy… the food! Between all the cooking and the eating, it's easy to get distracted. Here are a few tips for carefree cooking:

  • Never leave the stove unattended. Set the timer to remind you that something is cooking.
  • Use appliances appropriately and switch them off as soon as you leave the room.
  • Even though hot-air fryers are safer than traditional fryers, frying requires caution and supervision.
  • In the event of a cooking fire (This hyperlink will open in a new tab), stay calm. Cover the flames with a lid. Never throw water on an oil fire.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.

A few extra precautions

  • Make sure that decorations are not obstructing the emergency exits.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended. Ideally, use LED candles because they produce a realistic feel, while being much safer.
  • Check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. This can make all the difference!

Take care of your building and spread the word!

Good advice is worth sharing. Download the checklist and pass it on to everyone in your building. Happy Holidays!