TIPS FOR HOLIDAY SAFETY
By: Evan Lucyk
To say that Bit Service prioritizes safety above all else would be an understatement. We pride ourselves on sharing as much information on mining safety as possible with our readers and clientele.
This dedication to spreading the latest news about safety is not limited to the mines, either. We also want to ensure that our clients and community here in Saskatchewan are staying safe at home—especially as the holiday season approaches and preparations for upcoming festive celebrations shift into high gear.
This is why we’ve compiled a list of things to keep an eye out for as you and your loved ones prepare to enjoy this holiday season. Bit Service makes it our business to provide you with the best work-related insights specific to our industry, but we are equally invested in you.
CHRISTMAS TREES
It´s that time of year again, and just like clockwork, the minute Halloween is over, retail stores are already rolling out fir trees of every ilk. We can practically smell the pine scent wafting through our homes as if officially announcing the season.
Setting up and decorating the family Christmas tree are two of the most treasured traditions we have during the holidays, and we want to make sure that you stay safe while doing it. One good rule of thumb when purchasing a natural tree is to always check for freshness. Look specifically for vibrant green trees with sturdy, intact needles not easily pulled from branches. A good test is to gently lift and tap down the tree to check to see how many needles are shaken loose. Your goal is none—or as few as possible!
You can also check the trunk. The safest trees are sticky with resin, versus dry and easily flammable ones. Not only will opting for the freshest tree provide a much more aromatic piney experience, it will also provide a far safer pine. When setting up your natural tree, cut off roughly two inches of the trunk, then place it in a sturdy stand, making sure that you then keep the stand continually filled with water so the tree doesn’t dry out and become a fire hazard.
If you’re opting for an artificial tree, check the label closely and only buy those clearly stating they have been tested and deemed fire-resistant. For trees utilizing built-in electrical systems, look specifically for the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or CSA approval label, which all these types of trees should have to be deemed safe.
Regarding location, be sure and situate your tree (fresh or artificial) at least three feet away from any heat source (fireplaces, radiators, heat vents, candles, portable heaters, etc.) Also, an often overlooked but very important safety precaution is to make sure your pine isn’t blocking any exits.
LIGHTS/DECORATIONS
Now that the tree is up, it’s time to decorate it and the rest of your home! Draping everything with dazzling hanging lights is probably at the top of your list, but be aware that certain lights are only suitable for indoor or outdoor use (not both!) and proceed accordingly. Also check for any string lights that have seen better days or are the worse for wear—such as those with frayed cords or loose bulb connections. If you spot any of these lights safety risks, throw them out and buy new ones.
If your light-stringing, star-placing, or wreath-hanging operations require you to be on a ladder, make sure to use a proper one, preferably with another person there to hold it steady at the base while you are undertaking your task. Other standard precautions include never using electric lights on a metallic tree, being sure to turn off all lights when leaving the home or going to bed for the night, and just as with the Christmas tree, checking to ensure all your chosen holiday décor is fire resistant.
For those with small children or pets in the home, don’t use decorations that are low-hanging or have removable parts that could become choking hazards—especially anything which could be potentially poisonous if ingested. Examples would be mistletoe berries, Jerusalem cherry, and holly berries. After all, as any parent knows (feline, canine or human!), our kids will put anything in their mouths and try to eat it, so make sure you keep these items well out of reach.
BURNING CANDLES
It´s one of the most comforting things about the season—lighting a seasonal candle and smelling the aromas of holiday-themed scents wafting through the house. From gingerbread to sugar cookies, from pine to cinnamon, candle “flavours” are always popular among our favourite home décor.
To stay safe while taking part in this cozy tradition, make sure you place your candles at least 12 inches away from any other decorations or flammable objects. Also, ensure your candles are on a sturdy surface and far from any danger of being knocked down or blown over. Just as with tree decorations, confirm all candles are out of the reach of small children or pets.
One of the most important things to remember is to never leave a burning candle unattended in your home. This is a common—and often tragic—mistake. This doesn’t just happen with candles, unfortunately. All unattended open flames, such as including fireplaces and grills, make up the majority of fires each year, and they are particularly prevalent during the holiday season.
ENTERTAINING
Lastly, when you’re entertaining family and friends, it´s important to ensure your home is safe and ready to welcome guests. Have you tested your smoke alarms? After checking that off the list, make safety a priority and request that your guests smoke outside. You might even go so far as to provide proper ashtrays for them when they dispose of their cigarettes.
It’s also a good idea to briefly inform your guests of your home’s fire escape plan, because it never hurts to be prepared. And just as with the tree and décor precautions explained previously, also be careful to ensure that any materials that could be toxic (think cleaning solutions you used to make your home sparkle) are safely stowed away from the hands of your youngest guests or visiting pets.
On behalf of us all here at Bit Service, we wish you and yours a merry, joyful, and safe holiday season.