Municipal Affairs
October 6, 2008

Residents Encouraged to "Prevent Home Fires" During Fire Prevention Week

A pot holder too close to a lit burner or a space heater left on overnight could be all it takes to start a home fire. In fact, cooking and heating are among the leading causes of home fires throughout the country. That�s why Newfoundland and Labrador is teaming up with fire departments across the nation from October 5-11 to urge residents to "Prevent Home Fires" during Fire Prevention Week.

The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador, joined children at Newtown Elementary School in the City of Mount Pearl today to launch this year�s Fire Prevention Week campaign. This year�s campaign focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires � cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking materials.

"This year's Fire Prevention Week theme underscores the importance of making residents aware of the simple preventive measures they can take to prevent disaster from occurring to them," said Minister Denine. "Statistics reveal that most fires are caused by careless behaviour. An ounce of prevention in this case will save lives, homes and everything that we hold dear. It is the responsibility of every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to educate themselves on the simple fire prevention measures they can take."

Reviewing the following information and taking action can help "Prevent Home Fires" during Fire Prevention Week and year-round:

  • Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time, turn off the stove.
     
  • Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.
     
  • Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
     
  • Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
  • Fire Prevention Week is actively supported by fire departments across the country and throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. With the significant number of fire fatalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this year, residents are encouraged to visit www.firepreventionweek.org to get information on fire prevention and fire safety.

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    Media contact:
    Bradley Power
    Public Relations Specialist, FES-NL
    Department of Municipal Affairs
    709-729-3703, 697-5216
    BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca 

    2008 10 06                                                     9:45 a.m.

     


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