Don’t forget to call in your burn permit first: 613-476-2345 or 613-962-3497.
* * * Prince Edward County firefighters were called to Picton Manor Nursing Home Wednesday night to participate in a mock disaster involving fire and the evacuation of residents at the long-term care facility. Volunteers from the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Prince Edward Squadron posed as residents while Picton Manor’s actual residents were safe in the dining room. Under Ontario regulations, nursing homes are required to host a mock disaster evacuation scenario at least once every three years. The execution of the home’s fire safety plan and the challenges firefighters met will be reviewed.
During Fire Prevention Week the Prince Edward County Fire Department will be visiting homes to ensure the safety of Prince Edward County residents.
Prince Edward County firefighters offered promotional goodies for adults, and children, stopping by their information booth at the Canadian Tire store this weekend.
The Prince Edward County Fire Department reinforces newer smoke alarm recommendations during Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2011
What’s the best way to protect your family from fire? Be ahead of the game, of course. The Prince Edward County’s Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during the October 9-15, 2011, to let our community know: “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” This year’s campaign focuses on preventing the leading causes of home fires — cooking, heating and electrical equipment, as well as candles and smoking materials. Additionally, it urges people to protect their homes and families with life-saving technology and planning.
“In 2009, 2,565 people died in home fires. Nearly all of these deaths could have been prevented by taking a few simple precautions like having working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan, keeping things that can burn away from the stove and always turning off space heaters before going to bed,” says Mike Branscombe, Fire Prevention Officer of the Prince Edward County Fire Department. “Fire is a dangerous opponent, but by anticipating the hazards, you are much less likely to be one of the nearly 13,000 people injured in home fires each year.”
The Prince Edward County Fire Department offers the following tips for protecting your home and family from fire:
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.
If you smoke, smoke outside.
Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.
Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
“While preventing home fires in Prince Edward County is always our number one priority, it is not always possible,” Branscombe continued. “Prince Edward County’s residents need to provide the best protection to keep their homes and families safe in the event of a fire. This can be achieved by developing an escape plan which you practice regularly and equipping homes with life-saving technologies like smoke alarms and home fire sprinklers.”
The following tips will help keep your family safe if there is a fire in your home:
Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).
Interconnect all smoke alarms in the home so when one sounds, they all sound.
Test smoke alarms at least monthly and replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond when tested.
Make sure everyone in your home knows how to respond if the smoke alarm sounds.
Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible ways out. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.
If you are building or remodeling your home, consider installing home fire sprinklers.
The Prince Edward County Fire Department will be hosting activities during Fire Prevention Week to promote “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the power of prevention and available technologies to protect their own families from fire.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Prince Edward County , please contact the Prince Edward County Fire Department at 613-476-2345. To learn more about “It’s Fire Prevention Week. Protect your Family from Fire!” visit NFPA’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org.
The History of Fire Prevention Week
Commemorating a conflagration
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.
According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow – belonging to Mrs. Catherine O’Leary – kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you’ve heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O’Leary, for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.
The ‘Moo’ myth
Like any good story, the ‘case of the cow’ has some truth to it. The great fire almost certainly started near the barn where Mrs. O’Leary kept her five milking cows. But there is no proof that O’Leary was in the barn when the fire broke out – or that a jumpy cow sparked the blaze. Mrs. O’Leary herself swore that she’d been in bed early that night, and that the cows were also tucked in for the evening.
But if a cow wasn’t to blame for the huge fire, what was? Over the years, journalists and historians have offered plenty of theories. Some blamed the blaze on a couple of neighborhood boys who were near the barn sneaking cigarettes. Others believed that a neighbor of the O’Leary’s may have started the fire. Some people have speculated that a fiery meteorite may have fallen to earth on October 8, starting several fires that day – in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago.
The biggest blaze that week
While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn’t the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, and roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.
Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area ‘like a tornado,’ some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin that suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.
Eight decades of fire prevention
Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they’d been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. The commemoration grew incrementally official over the years.
In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.
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Prince Edward County firefighters and OPP officers are investigating circumstances around a van crashing through a home at the corner of Jane and Johnson streets in Picton early Thursday afternoon, July 28. There was nobody at home at the time of the crash. There are no reported injuries.
Prince Edward County firefighters on the scene just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 fighting a fire at the Piroth apartment building, 44 Main St., West, Picton. The day's scorching heat continued into the evening as apartment residents, neighbours and passersby watched the firefighters knock down the fire quickly and begin airing out the building. The building is named after former Picton mayor, the late Albert Piroth who was once its landlord. Prince Edward County OPP officers were at the LCBO intersection to guide traffic away from the scene.
Prince Edward County firefighters are on the scene of a fire at a multi-family dwelling on Elm Street in Picton. They were called out before 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 12. No details yet available.
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Working smoke alarms are essential in seasonal homes and recreational vehicles
During the past two weeks, two men have died in separate trailer fires in Ontario. It has been confirmed by Office of the Fire Marshal investigators that no working smoke alarms were recovered from either trailer. Fires in these types of seasonal homes can spread incredibly fast.
As a result of these tragic fatal fires, Prince Edward County Fire Prevention Officer Michael Branscombe is reminding everyone that it is the law to have a working smoke alarm in their trailer home, motor home and other recreational vehicle. In addition to smoke alarms, these homes, vehicles or boats used for sleeping should be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm.
“The Ontario Fire Code requires every ‘dwelling unit’ in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas,” explained Fire Prevention Officer Michael Branscombe . “What many people may not know is that the term ‘dwelling unit’ includes seasonal homes such as park model trailers, cabins and cottages and may include trailer homes, motor homes and other recreational vehicles”.
While many new trailer and RV models may already meet a construction standard requiring working smoke alarms, older models may not be equipped with any or they may not have been properly maintained. Smoke alarms should be tested before sleeping in any of these seasonal homes and then monthly and after any absence of more than a few days. Replace any smoke alarms that may be more than 10 years old.
“Smoke alarms can alert you and give you and your family the precious time needed to safely escape a fire,” said Branscombe. “Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in any structure where people may be sleeping or living.”
Failure to comply with the applicable Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $100,000.
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Swing into Summer Safety
Who better to help promote safety to children than the boys of summer – the Toronto Blue Jays!
The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and its Sponsors, along with participating Fire Departments, is pleased to partner with the Toronto Blue Jays to bring its “Swing into Summer Safety” campaign to communities across the province.
This important safety initiative is all about educating and raising awareness with school-age children and their families about fire safety and other injury prevention tips.
This baseball season, watch out for exciting community events hosted by local participating fire departments, as well as fun in-stadium activities at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Visit a participating fire department and get your very own special safety edition baseball collector card deck, showcasing all your favourite Toronto Blue Jays players as well as other great giveaways and valuable safety information!
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Fire Safety Education for Kids to be offered once again in Prince Edward County
The Prince Edward County Fire Department is once again presenting local grade 4 & 5 students the opportunity to participate in an educational fire safety program designed to prevent fire-related injuries and fatalities. This will be the 5th consecutive year that the fire department has committed to bringing the safety program to area kids.
Produced by Community Safety Net, Fire Safety: Smart choices for LIFE is a 116-page award-winning handbook that features information on how to avoid fire, plan an escape route from your home and what to do if a fire breaks out. It also comes with an interactive DVD that offers health and first aid information, along with important safety tips for parents, teachers and babysitters.
To cover the cost of the books and DVDs, Safety Net representative Rick Mercer will be visiting local businesses and organizations to obtain support on behalf of the Prince Edward County Fire Department.
For more information on this program please contact Michael Branscombe, Fire Prevention Officer at 613-476-2345.
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Burn Permits – It’s the law!
Call in before you burn: 613-476-2345 or 613-962-3497
Permits are valid from date of issue to December 31st of the year issued and cost $15.00 each.
Permits can be purchased at the following Municipal Offices:
• Picton Fire Station 2 Ross Street, Picton All hours
• Shire Hall 332 Main Street, Picton – Mon.- Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Prince Edward County libraries
CLICK on application to print – fill out the information and submit to the above mentioned offices
Prince Edward County firefighters and a PEC OPP officer secured the scene of a gas leak March 15 behind the KFC restaurant on Main Street, Picton. A gas main was damaged while a hole was being dug behind the store. The scene was secured until Union Gas arrived to stop the leak.
PEC firefighter Jerry Ferguson uses a gas detector to determine the extent of a leak at the end of the Town & Country Video building downtown Picton Jan. 6. Neighbours called the fire department at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday after smelling the “rotten egg” odour added to odourless natural gas. The leak was determined to be small and the gas line was turned off awaiting the arrival of Union Gas to fix the line.
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Students learn to Plan their escape
Last year, 101 people died in fires across the province, a stark reminder that everyone in your household must know exactly what to do if a fire occurs.
“Most fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep, so that is why it is so important for everyone to have working smoke alarms and know what to do when they sound,” said PEC Fire Prevention Officer Mike Branscombe. “Working smoke alarms will give you the early warning you need for everyone to get out safely.”
Branscombe has been encouraging County students to practise their home fire escape plan. He has spoken with 289 students, showed videos and shared fire safety tips. The students were invited to create a Fire Escape Plan for their home and their names were included for a random draw. First-place winners received a ride to school in a fire truck and a PEC Sparky Team sweatshirt. Second place winners received a Sparky Team sweatshirt.
Winners shown below with local firefighters.
Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:
* Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas. It’s the law. For best protection, also install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
* Develop a home fire escape plan and discuss it with the entire family.
* Show everyone two ways out of each room, if possible.
* Check that all exits are unobstructed and easy to use.
* Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults or anyone else that may need assistance.
* Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
* If caught in smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest safe exit.
* Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
* Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
You may have only seconds to safely escape your home. Practise your home fire escape plan and make sure everyone can get out quickly.
Ameliasburgh Capt. Bill Bedford with Kente School's winner.
Winners at Sonrise school.
South Marysburgh District Chief Glendon Walker with Athol's winners.
Wellington Capt. Morris Miller with CML Snider School's winner.
Ameliasburgh Captain Bill Bedford with the winner from Massassauga Rednersville School.
Hallowell District Chief Pete Cole and Pinecrest vice-principal David Fray with the Plan Your Escape winners.
District Chief George Storms gave this Sophiasburgh School winner a ride to school in the fire truck.
PEC full-time firefighter Gord Bell with the winner from St. Gregory's School.
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Are Your Smoke Alarms Working?
Fire Prevention Week runs from October 3-9
The Prince Edward County Fire Chief urges everyone in Prince Edward County to take a few minutes to make sure their smoke alarms are working in preparation for Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, 2010.
“Too many people are complacent about fire safety,” said Chief Scott Manlow. “People need to remember there is a one in ten chance of having a fire in their home. With all the plastic and synthetic materials we put in our homes today, fire burns hotter and faster than ever before. You may have just seconds to get everyone out of your home safely.”
Working smoke alarms provide the early warning of fire so that people have those extra seconds needed to escape a fire emergency.
It’s the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Yet, all too often the fire service in Ontario responds to fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.
The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With. October 3-5th Prince Edward County Firefighters will be holding a door to door canvass in several areas of the County to raise awareness that working smoke alarms save lives.
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Smoke Alarm Top Ten List
By Fire Prevention Officer Michael Branscombe
How many of you bought at least one lottery ticket in the last month? Even though the odds of winning are about one in 14 million, I’m guessing there’s a good chance you or someone you know bought one.
How many of you tested your smoke alarms in the last month? Even though the odds of you having a fire in your home are one in ten, I’m guessing there’s a good chance you or someone you know didn’t test the alarms.
Despite the odds, when it comes to fire, it’s easy to think it will never happen to us. A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs found that 48% of Canadians feel they have almost no chance of having a fire in their home.
But after 23 years in the fire service, I can tell you that fire happens anywhere, anytime. And fire and smoke spread so fast, you can have just seconds to safely escape with your loved ones.
Working smoke alarms provide early warning of fire and give you the extra seconds you and your family need to escape. A recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S. found that working smoke alarms increase your chances of surviving a home fire by 63%.
But people still don’t think fire will happen to them. All too often, the fire service in Ontario responds to fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.
That’s why the Prince Edward County Fire Department needs to raise the alarm about smoke alarms once again this year. The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, from October 3-9, is Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With.
Following are the top ten things you need to consider about smoke alarms to help keep you and your family safe from fire.
1. Most fire deaths happen at night when everyone is asleep. You can have as little as one minute to escape a fire. If there is no smoke alarm in the proximity of the fire to warn you, it will continue to grow rapidly and spread throughout your home, diminishing the chances of everyone getting out safely.
2. The Ontario Fire Code requires that all homes have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. If you don’t have working smoke alarms, the fire department has the power to issue a ticket for $235, or lay charges that could result in a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to a year in jail.
3. The more smoke alarms you have, the better your odds of survival. The fire service recommends that you also consider installing one inside every bedroom.
4. Landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining smoke alarms in their rental properties. If they don’t, they could be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to up to a year in jail.
5. Homeowners or tenants can be fined for tampering with or disabling a smoke alarm and that includes removing the battery.
6. The most common reason for removing batteries is because the alarm operates when you don’t want it to such as when cooking dinner. We call this a nuisance alarm. There are ways to address this that don’t put your life in danger, such as installing a smoke alarm with a hush feature that allows you to temporarily silence it at the push of a button, moving the alarm or installing a photoelectric model.
7. Smoke alarm batteries should be replaced every year, or when the smoke alarm starts to chirp, which is a signal that the battery is nearing the end of its life.
8. Smoke alarms should be tested every month, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to test them if you have been away from your home for more than a few days because the batteries could have expired in your absence.
9. All smoke alarms, whether battery-operated or electrically-wired, should be replaced with new ones if they are more than ten years old.
10. When the smoke alarms sound, everyone in your household needs to know what to do. Develop and practice a home fire escape plan.
For more information, contact: Michael Branscombe – Fire Prevention Officer
Prince Edward County Fire Department
613-476-2602
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County firefighters heat up competition in the kitchen
The police and firefighters battled it out in the culinary department and raised $645 for the PEC Memorial Hospital Foundation during this year’s Picton Fair bake-off. At left, Brian Rowbotham, of the Sophiasburgh Fire Department with Nicole Lott of the PEC OPP and Mike Kerr (representing Roger Corbin) of the Wellington Fire Department. Sophiasburgh won best overall for its Turtle Cheesecake entry; won first in cheesecake, apple pie and white cake categories. Wellington won for best chocolate cake while the OPP took top honours for the pie division.
* * * PEC firefighters knocked down Monday afternoon’s fire at Prince Edward Pizza, 130 Main St., Picton in about 20 minutes. The blaze, causing an estimated $200,000 in damages, started in combustible material in the vicinity of the pizza ovens. Fire Chief Scott Manlow praised the store owner for following fire safety protocol, noting he first tried to use a fire extinguisher, then, upon realizing it was going to be too big to control, exited the building and closed the doors (which helped the fire from spreading quickly) and immediately called the fire department. There was moderate smoke damage to the adjoining businesses – The Washing Place Laundromat and Town & County Video. The video store is open for business today. Sue Capon photo.
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A garage and workshop fire on Chapman Crescent in Milford remains under investigation by the Prince Edward County Fire Department. A neighbour called in the blaze at about 9 a.m. in early August. The South Marysburgh Hall was first to respond and the Hallowell Department was called in to assist and firefighters had the fire under control within an hour but remained on the scene for much of the day. Damage is estimated between $150,000 to $200,000 as the building contained a 2001 Case tractor with front end loader and many tools. Photo contributed.-
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Sparky joined PEC firefighters to conduct a tour of the Picton station for students participating in fire safety learning at the Picton Library.
Intense training helps firefighters ‘feel the heat’
When would you see a firefighter adding straw to a fire? When they need to feel the heat as one part of an intensive Ontario Fire College training program.
Eleven firefighters from Prince Edward County joined 13 others from Quinte West, Centre Hastings, Stirling-Rawdon, Belleville and Tweed last week at the Hastings Prince Edward Training Complex at Trenton for five days of training in the essentials of firefighting.
They focused live fires, protective clothing, incident management, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire suppression techniques, ladders, ventilation, survival and search and rescue.
Fires set in the giant cylinder and fed by straw, were designed to simulate thermal layering.
“It’s a demonstration so that they can feel the heat,” said PEC Deputy Chief Robert Rutter. “It can reach 1200 degrees farenheit in there, a heat reached at the upper end of a house fire. We tell them to touch the side of their head when they’re in there to feel the intensity of the heat. It’s surprising how hot it gets and it’s useful to experience this in a controlled environment.”
Rutter explained that learning how to use the hoses properly is part of the training because an improper flow will disturb the thermal balance, causing steam which drives the heat down on top of the firefighters.
The Maze House is a series of “real situation” tests. The small building contains obstacles including a small entry way where the firefighter must remove their air pack, but leave their face mask on as they crawl on their stomach and push the breathing apparatus in front of them, through the entry, then crawl through themselves and put the air pack back on. It sounds straight forward, but keep in mind, the firefighters must do this without vision – a situation they would encounter in many fires. In darkness, they also learn how to feel their way around to identify markings on the water hoses to constantly be aware of which direction exits the building.
In the Maze they also learn how to make their way through standard 14.5″ openings between studs in walls. They back up to the wall so the air pack goes in first, then raise their arms in a backstroke motion to decrease their profile and get through the tight space in minimal time.
Simulating an attic space or a ceiling that has fallen in, firefighters must also learn how to safely navigate entanglements of unknown wiring. With advances in technology there is more wiring in buildings than ever before. The technique is used mostly in office settings.
But advances also help the firefighters. They used to use cold compresses on the back of their necks to “trick” their brains into thinking they were cooling themselves down while fighting a blaze. A firefighter’s core temperature continues to build while they are fighting flames. Today, they dip their arms into pools of cold water which helps expand the arteries and sends the cooled blood through their body.
Between this training and a heavy load of pre-course learning and “homework”, the firefighters gain a bit of time to socialize around the luncheon table – sharing food and stories – just like one big family.
CAMPFIRES:
– on bare soil or exposed rock (remove leaves and twigs)
– sheltered from the wind.
– at least three metres from logs, stumps, trees, overhanging branches or other flammable material such as tents
– at least 15 metres from buildings
– a pail of water or a shovel at hand to control the fire
– someone tending them all the time
– Douse with water then stir the ashes with a stick or shovel to uncover hot coals. Stirring the ashes helps the fire and the ground around it to cool faster and allows the water to soak in better.
– If youve surrounded the fire with rocks, move them, to make sure that no hot coals are hiding under them, and douse the remaining coals with water.
– And, when you think you’re finished douse the fire area again before you leave or go to bed. Water, water and more water. Theres no such thing as being too careful.
BURNING:
– Burn debris only when its not windy during the coolest and dampest time of day; two hours before sunset or later.
– Burn in an incinerator or on rocky ground surrounded by a ditch or ploughed ground.
– Keep the fire small, and have a rake, shovel and water at hand.
– Stay with the fire until it’s out.
FIREWORKS
– Use Fireworks Outdoors
– Choose a Clear, Open Area – away from buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, and dry brush/grass (which could catch fire). A minimum clear area of 30 m by 30 m for aerial family fireworks, such as Roman candles, and 20 m by 20 m for fountains and other ground-based items is recommended.
– Check For Wind – fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators and closest dwelling. Don’t set off in strong winds.
– Have Water Nearby – keep a charged hose or bucket filled with water close by in case of a malfunction or fire.
– Read All Instructions Carefully
– Use Ground-Based Fireworks on a Hard Surface – light ground-based on hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability of the item. Grass is typically not suitable – wood or equivalent base is recommended to ensure stability.
– Bury Aerial Fireworks – bury (do not pile) the device to half it’s length in the ground or in a large pail or box filled with earth or sand.
– Keep Spectators Safe – at least 20 m away from location where articles are functioned
– Use Proper Eye Protection and Wear Proper Clothing – safety glasses or safety goggles. Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses provide little or no protection and may actually contribute to an injury. Wear non-flammable clothing such as cotton; never wear synthetic fibre clothing (nylon, polyester) when firing.
– Keep Children Away From Fireworks – Even sparklers, which are considered by many as “safe” fireworks for children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing and burn flesh. In addition, they project sparks that can cause eye injury.
– Use Care When Handling Fireworks – do not drop them. Do not carry fireworks in your pockets. Never smoke while handling fireworks.
– Use Care When Firing Fireworks – never put any part of your body or head over the firework; never hand hold them or insert them into other means of containment such as pipes; and never point or throw them at people or other sensitive/flammable targets. During a fireworks show, store the unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely setting them off.
– Duds or Misfires – Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water.
– Clean-Up After the Show – Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris, and check it again the next morning.
HOUSEHOLD SAFETY TIPS
SMOKE ALARMS
Make sure your home has working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
Make sure the batteries work in all your smoke alarms. (Test the battery by pushing the test button. If there is no button, press the centre of the cover)
Have a designated person to test the smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once per year.
COOKING
Always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove.
Keep stove tops and nearby counters clear and uncluttered.
Keep a proper fitting lid near the stove when you are cooking.
Keep pot handles turned inward so they can’t be bumped.
Keep curtains, utensils, paper towels and other things that can burn well away from the stove.
Create a “kid-free” zone of one metre around the stove when adults are cooking.
HEATING
Keep space heaters at least one metre away from things that can burn, including curtains, furniture, pets.
Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to catch sparks.
Make sure your chimney has been inspected and cleaned during the past year.
Make sure your furnace has been serviced by a professional in the past year.
Keep propane tanks, gasoline, or other fuels stored safely outside your home.
CANDLES
Keep candles placed in sturdy holders, out of reach of children and pets so they can’t be knocked over.
Cover lit candles with glass chimneys, to prevent people or objects from brushing against the flame.
Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
MATCHES & LIGHTERS
Keep matches and lighters stored out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet.
If you smoke, have just one lighter or book of matches and keep it with you at all times.
Encourage smokers in your household to smoke outside.
ELECTRICAL
Keep electrical cords in good condition, without cracks or frayed areas.
Make sure extension cords are used safely. (not under carpets or across doorways)
Keep kitchen appliances, such as the kettle, coffee-maker, toaster oven and microwave, plugged into separate outlets.
FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING
Keep all of the exits in your home clear of furniture, toys and clutter.
Have a home fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room (if possible)
Pick a safe place outside where everyone will meet after exiting the home.
Practice a home fire drill with everyone in your household.
