Minister Reminds Residents of Importance of Seasonal Fire Safety
The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal
Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services �
Newfoundland and Labrador, today reminded residents that throughout the
holiday season everyone should make fire safety a priority within their
home.
"The holiday season is a time for celebration and good
times with family and friends," said Minister Whalen. "Very often fire
safety isn�t at the front of people�s minds, which unfortunately means
fires happen. Many of the fires that will occur can easily be
prevented."
Minister Whalen pointed out that it is important to turn
Christmas tree lights off at night. Also, don�t overload electrical
sockets. The holiday season is another excellent opportunity to ensure
you have a working smoke alarm on each floor level of your home and
never remove those batteries to power Christmas toys. Every family
should plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out
in the event of a fire. "Sadly, statistics show that people are more likely to
die in an accidental home fire during the holiday season than at any
other time of the year," said Minister Whalen. "Households should take
some simple steps to ensure their safety. Perform a fire safety
inspection on your home as part of your regular holiday routine. With 12
fire fatalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008, we must
remember that appropriate precautions and fire prevention can possibly
save your life."
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Media contact: Bradley Power BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
The following are fire safety ideas for the holiday
season:
Christmas tree Decorations Lights Candles Candles are a leading cause of
residential fires in Canada. It is recommended that residents never use
open flame candles, but if you do: Gift Suggestions
2008 12 09 10:15 a.m. |
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