Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety ï¿½ Day 8

Municipal Affairs and Environment
December 18, 2017

Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety ï¿½ Day 8

Short days and long nights mark the arrival of the holiday season in Newfoundland and Labrador. Safely deal with the chilly winter weather by taking these precautions:

Heating

When using a space heater, inspect the cord and ensure it is not damaged; Always plug a space heater directly into an outlet and do not use an extension cord;
Always keep at least one metre of space around a space heater and never leave a space heater running in an unoccupied room;
Never dry shoes or clothes by placing them on a heater or wood stove;
Ensure no flammable materials, especially paint and gasoline, have been stored near your source of heating; and
Always supervise children and pets around sources of heat.

Winter hazards

Never use an appliance that burns fuel inside as this will generate deadly carbon monoxide. Equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors;
Only operate a generator in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area;
Never use any open-flame device to thaw a frozen pipe. Call a licensed plumber;
Clear snow from all exterior entrances of your home. They are your means of escape in the event of a fire or emergency.
Check on seniors or other residents in your neighbourhood who may need assistance with clearing entrances to their homes of snow and materials;
Equip your car with an emergency kit; and
Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit for your home.

- 30 -

Learn More
Information regarding general emergency preparedness is available at getprepared.gc.ca.

Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 12 18 11:40 a.m.

Main Menu