Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety – Day 7

  • Municipal Affairs and Environment

December 17, 2018

Short days and long nights mark the arrival of the holiday season in Newfoundland and Labrador. Safely deal with the chilly winter weather by taking these precautions:

Heating

  • When using a space heater, inspect the cord and ensure it is not damaged; Always plug a space heater directly into an outlet and do not use an extension cord;
  • Always keep at least one metre of space around a space heater and never leave a space heater running in an unoccupied room;
  • Never dry shoes or clothes by placing them on a heater or wood stove;
  • Ensure no flammable materials, especially paint and gasoline, have been stored near your source of heating; and
  • Always supervise children and pets around sources of heat.

Winter hazards

  • Never use an appliance that burns fuel inside as this will generate deadly carbon monoxide. Equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors;
  • Only operate a generator in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area;
  • Never use any open-flame device to thaw a frozen pipe. Call a licensed plumber;
  • Clear snow from all exterior entrances of your home which are your means of escape in the event of a fire or an emergency.
  • Check on seniors or other residents in your neighbourhood who may need assistance with clearing entrances to their homes of snow and materials;
  • Equip your car with an emergency kit; and
  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit for your home. Information regarding general emergency preparedness is available at getprepared.gc.ca.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNLexternal link icon for more holiday safety tips during the holiday season.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you to all firefighters, fire departments, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services for your dedication throughout the year.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2018 12 17 10:25 am