Municipal Affairs
July 31, 2008

Minister Issues Fire Safety Reminder in Wake of Recent Fire Deaths

Today, the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), expressed his concern regarding the number of fire-related deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador as he released fire fatality statistics for the period 2002-2008.

Between the period of 2002-2007, Newfoundland and Labrador had 14 tragic fire fatalities consisting of 11 males, three females and one child. However, from January to July of 2008, the province has already had 12 fire-related deaths.

"Today�s statistics are alarming," said Minister Denine. "It�s horrific that we have lost so many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and what�s more, some fire-related fatalities may have been preventable. It is tragic that we have experienced such significant loss this year, in only seven months."

The minister reminds residents that fire safety should, now and always, be a discussion topic within homes throughout the province. Considering the immense loss of life this year in such a short period of time, every extra effort should be made to protect families and belongings from fire. Causes such as using flammable liquids to accelerate wood stoves, not monitoring smoking materials, improper cooking practices and using wood stoves and furnaces that are improperly maintained can lead to death and significant personal loss.

"We must take stock in our own homes and places of business," said Minister Denine. "It is our responsibility to ensure that the ravages of fire do not touch our own lives. Simple preventive maintenance on appliances and common sense can undoubtedly save lives. Knowing the risks, seeing the statistics and acknowledging it can happen to anyone, anytime is the first step."

The Provincial Government supports public education initiatives that bring awareness to the importance of fire prevention and safety. In 2008, Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador increased funding to the Learn Not to Burn program, targeting school-aged children, to a value of $61,000. As well, FES-NL has increased its delivery of public service announcements on fire safety throughout the province.

Provincial Fire Fatality Statistics 2002-2008

Gender 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008*
Male 1 4 1 2 2 1 4
Female 0 0 0 2 1 0 4
Children 1 0 0 0 0 0 4
Total 2 4 1 4 3 1 12

*Period of January 1 � July 29, 2008

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Fire Safety Tips

Cooking with Care

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.

Keep anything that can catch fire � potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags � away from your stovetop.

Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.

Always keep an oven mitt and lid handy. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on the oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don�t remove the lid until it is completely cool.

Everyday Electrical Safety

Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, such as lamp shades, bedding, curtains, and clothing.

Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords.

Use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.

Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.

Call a qualified electrician or landlord if you have recurring problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, discoloured or warm wall outlets, flickering lights or a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.

Healthy Heating

Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least three feet away from heating equipment.

Turn portable space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

An oven should not be used to heat a home.

Strike Out Smoking-materials Fires

If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes if they are available in your area.

If you smoke, smoke outside.

Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used.

Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet, out of the reach of children.

Candle with Caution

Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.

Use sturdy, safe candleholders.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Blow out candles when you leave a room.

Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Use flashlights for emergency lighting.

Miscellaneous

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Make sure everyone can hear the sound of the smoke alarms.

Have a home fire escape plan. Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible, and a meeting place outside. Practice your escape plan twice a year.

When the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out.

2008 07 31                                                       2:15 p.m.


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