CPSP REMINDS HOMEOWNERS TO TAKE EXTRA FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING EXTREME COLD HOLIDAY SEASON

The Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing's Office of the Fire Commissioner and Sask911 remind homeowners that extreme winter weather and holiday decorations can combine to create additional fire hazards at this time of the year.

To keep you and your family safe from fire during cold holiday weather, remember to take these precautions:

• Check your smoke detector to make sure it's in good working order. Change the batteries if necessary;
• Make sure your furnace is serviced, so that it can operate at full capacity safely during severe below-zero temperatures;
• If you have a real indoor Christmas tree, water it regularly;
• Space heaters can be fire hazards, so make sure they're at least one metre away from things that could burn; and don't leave them unattended;
• Dispose of smoking materials safely and responsibly; and
• Never leave candles burning when there's no one in the room, and make sure they're properly extinguished.

"I urge all families to take a moment out of their holiday activities to think about fire safety, so that this season remains a festive time of joy for them and their loved ones," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Darryl Hickie said.

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For more information, contact:

Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: judy.orthner@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233