Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is letting residents know how to take simple precautions to avoid fire hazards this holiday season. 

鈥淭aking a few extra steps, like checking your smoke alarms and keeping your Christmas tree away from heat sources, can prevent dangerous situations,鈥� said deputy chief Alan Hofsink. 鈥淎 little caution and safe planning can go a long way in keeping your family and home safe this holiday season.鈥�

Here are Hofsink's most important safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying Christmas with the family:

鈥� Check lights for any damaged cords or loose connections and replace them if necessary.

鈥� Use clips (not nails) to hang lights to avoid damaging cords.

鈥� Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.

Heat source safety

鈥� Keep anything that can burn at least one metre away from heating equipment, including your furnace, fireplace, wood stove, and portable space heaters. 

鈥� When using space heaters, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safe operation. 

鈥� Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.

鈥� Never use your oven to heat your home.

For added safety

鈥� Never overload electrical outlets鈥攑lugging too many devices into a single outlet can increase the risk of fire.

鈥� Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

鈥� Properly dispose of used batteries. Never throw them in the trash, as they can be a fire and safety hazard. Take used batteries to a local recycling depot for safe disposal 

Have a happy (and safe) holiday season!