Remember Fire Safety this Weekend, Urges Local Fire Service
May 2017
The May long weekend is when many Ontarians get a jump on summer by opening their cottages and other seasonal homes. The North Hastings Fire Service is urging residents to add fire safety and prevention to their cottage plans.
Cottages, trailers and other seasonal homes are vulnerable to unsafe conditions that can arise over the winter such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that no longer work, and chimneys that have become blocked. Owners should take new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and fresh batteries in case they need replacing when you arrive. We want everyone to enjoy the summer, and that includes staying safe.
Other cottage fire safety tips include:
- Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of homes, cottages, cabins and trailers.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas in your home, cottage, cabin or trailer that has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least monthly or each time you return to the cottage. Pack a new smoke alarm and extra smoke alarm batteries in case they need replacing.
- Develop and practice a home escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds.
- Know your emergency 911 sign number, in case of emergency.
- Make sure the entrance to the property has a clearly visible sign indicating the property number.
- Clean barbecues before using them. Keep an eye on lit barbecues and ensure all combustibles, as well as children and pets, are kept well away from them. Fires can happen when barbecues are left unattended.
- Keep barbecue lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
- Remember to bring a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Inspect heating appliances and chimneys before using them.
- If you must smoke, do so outside. Keep a large can with water nearby so cigarette butts can be safely discarded.
- If you drink, do so responsibly. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are contributing factors in many fires and can lead to serious injuries.
- Use battery powered candles.
- Observe our fire condition meters to monitor burning conditions.
- Camp fires should be built on bare soil or on exposed rock. Remove leaves and twigs from around the fire to keep it from spreading.
- Always keep a bucket of water or sand and a shovel close by and supervise the fire at all times.