Municipal Affairs
September 8, 2008Province Offers Fire Safety
Reminder for University and College Students
Now that classes have resumed and students are settled away in their
living quarters and dorms, the Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency
Services � Newfoundland and Labrador, reminds everyone of some helpful
tips for fire safety for the new school year.
"A few minutes to plan and practice when it comes to fire safety can
lessen the chances of personal harm and damage to personal belongings,"
said Minister Denine. "We all have a role to play in fire safety and
prevention year-round."
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL)
offers the following important fire safety tips to college and
university students:
If you reside in a dorm, your building should have an evacuation plan. Learn it and participate in all fire drills.
If you hear an alarm, leave immediately. Close doors behind you as you go. Take room keys; if you can�t escape you may have to return to your room.
If you have a disability, make sure you are included in the escape planning for your classroom area and housing.
Learn the location of all building exits. You may have to find your way out in the dark.
Make sure your building has smoke alarms. Do not disable them or remove batteries.
Don�t hang anything from fire sprinkler pipes or nozzles.
Between the period of 2002-2007, Newfoundland and Labrador had 14
tragic fire fatalities. However, from January to September of 2008, the
province has already had 12 fire-related deaths.
"It is widely known that fire prevention and escape planning can save
lives," said Minister Denine. "With such a horrific number of
fire-related fatalities occurring in our province since January, we
should all make a strong effort to protect ourselves and our families.
There are time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire.
It�s not a question of luck.
It�s a matter of practicing and planning
ahead."
For links on fire safety and fire prevention, please visit
//www.gov.nl.ca/ma/fes/ofc/firesafety/.
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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
BACKGROUNDER
Back to School Fire Safety Tips for College and
University Students
Escape tips
If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
Before opening a door, feel the door. If it�s hot, use your second way out.
Use the stairs; never use an elevator during a fire.
If you�re trapped, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Seal your door with rags and signal from your window. Open windows slightly at the top and bottom, but close them if smoke rushes in from any direction.
If you have a disability, alert others of the type of assistance you need to leave the building.
Smoking
If you must smoke, only smoke outside of the building and only in areas where it�s permitted.It�s risky to smoke when you�ve been drinking or when you�re drowsy.Don�t smoke in bed.
Soak cigarettes before you empty ashtrays.After a party, check furniture and cushions for smoldering butts.
Cooking
Cook only where it�s permitted.If you use a kitchen, keep it clean and uncluttered.If you use electric appliances, don�t overload circuits.Never leave cooking unattended.If a fire starts in a microwave oven, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.Check with your school and local fire department for off-campus housing before using a grill.Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.Keep children and pets away from the grill area; declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Candles
Don�t burn candles.
Electrical
Check your school�s rules before using electrical appliances in your dorm room.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
Don�t pinch cords against walls or furniture or run them under carpets. Never tack or nail cords.
Don�t overload your wiring.
Buy only appliances that have the label of an independent testing lab.
Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn.
2008 09 08 10:35 a.m. |
