The holidays are right around the corner and North Bay Fire and Emergency Services wants everyone to be safe.

Fire Prevention Captain Randy Vezina says when choosing a live tree, make sure it’s wet, the needles aren’t falling off and continue to add water throughout the holidays

“Keep it away from any ignition source, portable heaters, stoves. We only use certified wiring for our lights, we certainly keep candles away from it,” he adds.

Vezina also says cooking is always a safety concern, but especially during the holidays.

“We have to stay with any food that’s being cooked, whether it’s in the oven or on the stove. Deep frying with a pot or pan is unsafe,” he says

Vezina says approved deep fryers aren’t that expensive and only allow the oil to reach it’s cooking temperature, not it’s auto-ignition temperature.

He also suggests new smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms be considered as gifts this holiday season too.