Municipal Affairs
November 25, 2011
Residents Encouraged to Make Fire Safety a Priority
this Holiday Season
As preparations begin for the festive season, the Honourable Kevin
O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and
Emergency Services, is encouraging all residents to be aware of the
potential fire hazards that can be associated with the holidays and make
every effort to keep families safe.
“Injuries can occur anywhere and at any time, but are often more frequent
during the holiday season,” said Minister O’Brien. “While it is easy to
become preoccupied with the many special events that take priority, we
should all be mindful of the ways we can ensure the risks are minimized and
our loved ones remain happy and healthy throughout the holidays.”
Most residential fires in Canada occur during the winter months and
citizens should pay particular attention to make sure they are following the
instructions of the manufacturer with all home heating appliances. Homes and
cabins should have a working smoke alarm on every level and in each sleeping
area. Carbon monoxide detectors are also recommended, as carbon monoxide
poisoning is the most common risk associated with home heating. Symptoms of
carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, disorientation,
nausea and fatigue.
“In most instances, a few simple considerations can not only keep us from
harm, but can also improve our family’s level of preparedness should an
emergency happen at home,” noted Minister O’Brien. “The safety of the
citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be a priority for our
government and I believe remains a priority for residents as well.”
More information can be found at
www.gov.nl.ca/fes
Further tips for holiday fire safety can be found in the backgrounder
below.
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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
CherylGullage@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
General Tips
- Inspect all heating equipment annually and clean, repair and replace
as necessary.
- Test smoke alarms regularly.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each
sleeping area.
- Be attentive when cooking. Ensure stovetops are free of flammable
materials and keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
- Avoid using candles if possible, but if necessary, ensure all flames
are extinguished before you leave the room.
- Ensure holiday lights are used in accordance with their intended
purpose. Indoor and outdoor lights should only be used in the areas for
which they are designed.
Space Heaters
- Maintain a one metre (or three foot) separation between things that
can burn, such as paper, furniture and curtains.
- When buying a new space heater, make sure it carries the mark of an
independent testing laboratory for use in Canada, such as Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
- Turn off space heaters when the room is unoccupied or under
circumstances when manufacturer’s instructions say they should be turned
off.
- Portable space heaters are easy to knock over in the dark and should
be turned off while sleeping.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
- Install at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible warning
signal near the sleeping areas and outside individual bedrooms.
- Have a qualified professional check all fuel burning appliances,
furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.
- Never use a range or oven to help heat a home and never use a
charcoal grill or barbeque in a home or garage. As well, never keep a
car running in a garage.
Fuel-Based and Electric Heating
- In a fireplace or wood stove, use only dry, seasoned wood to avoid
the build-up of creosote deposits that easily catch fire and account for
most chimney fires and the largest share of home heating fires
generally. Use only paper or kindling wood, not a flammable liquid, to
start the fire. While their use is safe in fireplaces, do not use
artificial logs in wood stoves.
- Make sure a fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from
flying into the room. Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before
disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from the
home.
- Make sure fuel-burning equipment such as stoves or fireplaces are
vented to the outside, that the venting is kept clear and unobstructed,
and that the exit point is properly sealed around the vent, all of which
is to make sure deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in the home.
2011 11 25
11:15 a.m.