Keep the Holidays Safe and Bright Tips from the Portage Public Safety Fire Division
The holiday season is a time for joy, but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for fire departments. The Portage Department of Public Safety – Fire Division reminds residents to take a few simple steps to stay safe and prevent holiday emergencies.
Cooking Safety
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items like towels and paper away from the stove.
- Turn pot handles inward, keep kids and pets three feet from the cooking area, and never leave food unattended.
Candle and Tree Safety
- Opt for battery-operated candles when possible.
- Keep real candles a foot from anything flammable and extinguish before leaving the room.
- Choose a fresh tree, water it daily, and keep it at least three feet from heat sources.
Heating, Electrical, and Battery Safety
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn and plug them directly into the wall, not an extension cord.
- Turn off heaters and lights before bed or when leaving home.
- For lithium-ion batteries, use only the manufacturer’s charger and never charge unattended or overnight.
Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers
- Test smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed.
- Make sure alarms are on every level of your home.
- Check your fire extinguisher to ensure it’s charged and accessible—remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
From Our Family to Yours... We wish you a safe holiday season. A few precautions now can prevent tragedy later. For more safety information, visit our social media pages for weekly tips this December.