Municipal Affairs
 December 16, 2015

Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety � Day Six

Short days and long, cold nights during the holiday season mark the arrival of the worst of winter in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Homes must be heated and many activities are confined indoors, making winter the worst time of year for home fires in Canada according to Fire Prevention Canada.

Follow these procedures to stay safe:

Heating

  • Ensure no flammable materials, especially paint and gasoline, have been stored near your source of heating;
  • Always supervise children and pets around sources of heat;
  • When using a space heater, inspect the cord and ensure it is not damaged and always plug a space heater directly into an outlet without using an extension cord;
  • Always keep at least one metre of space around a space heater;
  • Never leave a space heater running in an unoccupied room; and
  • Never dry shoes or clothes by placing them on a heater or wood stove.

Winter Hazards

  • 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 and others in your neighbourhood who may need assistance with this task;
  • Never use any open-flame device to thaw a frozen pipe. Call a licensed plumber;
  • If you choose to smoke inside, use a deep, sturdy ashtray and never smoke in bed;
  • Never use an appliance that burns fuel inside as this will generate deadly carbon monoxide. Equip your home with a carbon monoxide detector;
  • Only operate a generator in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area;
  • Equip your car with an emergency kit ; and
  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit for your home.

All residents of the province are invited to visit @FES_GovNL on Twitter during the 12 Days of Fire Safety to complete our fire safety quiz for the chance to win an emergency preparedness kit.

For more information about fire safety and emergency preparedness, visit the FES-NL website: www.gov.nl.ca/fes/index.html

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Media contact:
Ryan Crocker
Media Relations Manager
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 709-690-1810
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca

2015 12 16                             2:25 p.m.