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Yochim reminds Manitobans to be fire safe this holiday season

Virden’s Brad Yochim, the president of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, is sharing tips with everyone across the province in this year’s holiday safety campaign.
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Virden’s Brad Yochim, the president of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, is sharing tips with everyone across the province in this year’s holiday safety campaign.

The theme, Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires, encourages people to reduce the risk from heating, holiday decorations, and candles, which all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. 

“It only takes a few minutes to be fire safe,” said Yochim in a Manitoba government press release. “For example, when you walk through your home, make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work, keep lit candles away from decorations, and make sure they are blown out before going to bed.”

Fire safety tips:
• be careful with holiday decorations and choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant;
• keep children and pets away from lit candles;
• keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn;
• blow out candles before going to bed;
• be aware that some electrical lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both;
• replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.;
• read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect;
• test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms;
• stay in the kitchen when cooking on a stovetop;
• ask smokers to smoke outside and remind them to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them;
• provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding; and
• tell guests about the home fire escape plan.

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