‘Tis the season to be jolly so get ready to deck the halls with safe festive decorations that will surely make you merry all throughout this winter.
Avoid chimney fire
A mug of hot chocolate in front of a crackling fire sounds like the holidays to me! Just be sure there is a screen in front of the fireplace at all times to protect your kids (and yourself) from burns. Wrapping paper and evergreen boughs should not be burned in a fireplace because it can result in a fire getting out of control and jumping out of the fireplace. Don’t forget to remove all decorations from the mantle before lighting the fire, so that the fire stays contained inside the fireplace! Source: CHLA
Use the correct type of decorative lights
When it comes to holiday lights there are indoor and outdoor varieties. You need to make sure you’re using the right light for the right location. The older the set of lights, the greater the chance that the wires have become cracked or brittle. This can cause a spark, which can ignite a fire. Whether those lights are going on the tree or around the home, make sure you check the lines first. When you leave the home or head to bed, turn off your lights. For outdoor lights, you should plug into circuits designed with GFCIs, or ground fault circuit interrupters. If you don’t have these on your outdoor plugs, get with a certified electrician to have them installed. Source: DoItYourself
Beware of electrical hazards
When hanging outdoor lights, keep electrical connectors off the ground and away from metal rain gutters. Use insulated tape or plastic clips instead of metal nails or tacks to hold them in place.
Be careful when climbing up a ladder
Using a ladder when you put up lights? Choose the correct ladder for the job and double check for a certification mark to ensure your portable ladder complies with applicable standards. Source: Parents
Santa loves clean and safe chimneys! So before the merriness begins, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll gladly take care of your chimney needs.
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
