BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

Amidst the excitement of the Christmas season, it’s easy to forget to play it safe on the road and at home.

The Windsor Fire Department would like to extend best wishes for the holiday season and offer a few tips to help ensure all families in West Hants have a safe and happy holiday.

Fire Chief Fred Fox suggests natural Christmas trees should be well watered to prevent drying out and be kept away from sources of direct heat such as registers and fireplaces or woodstoves.

Make sure all lights and cords are inspected for cracks and wear and that they are safety-approved for their use. He also suggests not to cover them with mats or set objects on them. Wires can be fire hazards if not properly used and maintained.

Never leave Christmas lights turned on when you’re not at home and keep candles away from combustibles and out of reach of children and pets.

Ensure that smoke detectors are in place and are in good working condition. Now is the time to test the detectors and replace batteries. Fox says that every home should have a fire extinguisher in a readily accessible location.

If your family does not have a home fire escape plan, prepare one now and ensure that your family and guests are familiar with it.

Finally, clear snow off your home’s civic number and place it where the number is visible from the road so emergency vehicles can locate your home if need be.