The following fire safety tips should be practised at all times, but especially during prolonged power outages.
Smoke Alarms:
• Make sure that battery-operated (battery back-up) smoke detectors are working at all times and located outside of sleeping areas of the home, preferably on each level.
• Install battery-operated Carbon Monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
Candles:
• Keep candles away from combustible materials, secure them in a solid container and protect them with a glass chimney.
• Never leave candles unattended.
Heating and Cooking:
• Propane and charcoal barbeques must never be used inside the home.
• Generators must never be brought or used inside the home for any reason.
• Portable space heaters should be used only with the fuel for which they were designed. Keep all heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from combustibles, including furniture, drapes and clothing.
• If your fireplace or wood-stove has not been used for a long time, the chimney should be checked by a professional technician.
• Keep a window open to provide necessary ventilation.
• Before going to bed, do a check of every room to make sure candles are out and heaters are off.
• Spend some time each day outside in the fresh air.
In Case of Fire:
• Follow your family's home escape plan (everyone should know two ways out of the house and have a prearranged meeting place outside).
• Get everyone out of the house immediately and call the fire department from a neighbour's home.
• Do not re-enter the house for any reason.
Any questions or comments should be directed to the Provincial Fire Marshal's Office (902) 368-4869.