Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) reminds families to be especially vigilant about fire safety over the holiday season.

“This is a very busy time for many people and it’s easy to become distracted or forgetful,” said Fire Chief John McDougall. “All it takes is for a pot to be left on the stove, or a candle left burning unattended, and a family’s holiday celebrations can become tragic.”

McDougall added smoke alarms are required by law and need to be maintained:
• The law in Ontario requires that all homes have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
• Smoke alarms must be tested and if the batteries require replacing safely dispose of them and install new ones.
• Failure to comply with the smoke alarm law can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000.

Fire Safety Tips:
• Place your Christmas tree away from fireplaces and radiators. Keep the stand filled with
water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Make an escape plan with your family. During the Christmas season there may be extended family and/or friends staying overnight in your home. Make sure all visitors know the home escape plan; the ways to get out and the outside meeting place.
• Watch items being cooked on a stove. Cooking is a major cause of home fires. If a pot catches fire, don’t try to move it. Cover the pot with a lid to smother the flames and turn off the burner.
• Place lit candles in sturdy candleholders that won’t tip and are covered with a glass shade. Candles should be situated away from children, pets and any combustible items.
• Drink responsibly and keep an eye on those who do not. Excessive alcohol consumption is a contributing factor in many residential fires.

Please visit www.mississauga.ca/fire for more information on smoke alarms and other safety tips.
For more information about the City’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Unit contact Division Chief Roger Clement, 905-615-3200 extension 5905.

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 734,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 63 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is one of Greater Toronto's Top 90 Employers for 2010. Enhancing its citizens' quality of life by providing superior services, revitalizing its infrastructure and conserving the environment, Mississauga is committed to innovation, operational excellence and fiscal responsibility which is reflected in its motto: "Leading Today for Tomorrow."

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