Stay safe this holiday season with tips from the Saint John Fire Department

Stay safe this holiday season with tips from the Saint John Fire Department

The Saint John Fire Department would like to remind everyone of some basic measures you can take to keep your home and family safe from fire this holiday season.

TREES

PICKING THE TREE

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREE

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

• Get rid of the tree after the holidays or when it is dry.
• Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
• Trees can be recycled by dropping them off at these locations from January 1st to 12th, 2025 (Looked for barricaded area at each location):
  • • Charles Gorman Arena - University Ave
    • Crescent Valley between 30 & 38 Taylor Avenue, North
    • Peter Murray Arena - Dever Rd
    • Forest Hills Ball Field - 651 Westmorland Rd
    • 330 Charlotte St, South/Central Peninsula

DECORATIVE LIGHTS

• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets;
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot for indoors.
• Always turn off decorative lights before leaving home or going to bed.

DECORATIONS

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan. 
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

For more tips on fire safety, please visit www.saintjohn.ca, nfpa.org or contact the Saint John Fire Department Fire Prevention office at 506-658-2962.