Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is letting residents know how to take simple precautions to avoid fire hazards this holiday season. 

香蕉视频直播淭aking a few extra steps, like checking your smoke alarms and keeping your Christmas tree away from heat sources, can prevent dangerous situations,香蕉视频直播� said deputy chief Alan Hofsink. 香蕉视频直播淎 little caution and safe planning can go a long way in keeping your family and home safe this holiday season.香蕉视频直播�

Here are Hofsink's most important safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying Christmas with the family:

香蕉视频直播� Check lights for any damaged cords or loose connections and replace them if necessary.

香蕉视频直播� Use clips (not nails) to hang lights to avoid damaging cords.

香蕉视频直播� Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.

Heat source safety

香蕉视频直播� Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from heating equipment, including your furnace, fireplace, wood stove, and portable space heaters. 

香蕉视频直播� When using space heaters, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe operation. 

香蕉视频直播� Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.

香蕉视频直播� Never use your oven to heat your home.

For added safety

香蕉视频直播� Never overload electrical outlets香蕉视频直播攑lugging too many devices into a single outlet can increase the risk of fire.

香蕉视频直播� Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

香蕉视频直播� Properly dispose of used batteries. Never throw them in the trash, as they can be a fire and safety hazard. Take used batteries to a local recycling depot for safe disposal 

Have a happy (and safe) holiday season!