Kinderslery Fire Department is Serving up Fire Week Safety Tips
From October 4th to 10th, Canadians across the country will participate in this year’s Fire Prevention Week, which began in 1925 and still remains a critical public education tool.
Local firefighter, Mitch Hope a member of the Kindersley Fire Department and Kindersley’s Public Education Officer, often finds himself busy this time of year sharing fire safety tips and ideas with the community. “Traditionally we have targeted some high-risk groups and worked with them on how to be safe. Some of these groups include young kids at daycares, playschool, pre-k, and elementary school. We have also worked with senior group homes as well. Once a year we work with the PARTY program which is directed at high school students and host a fire prevention week open house.”
However, as with almost every event planned since the pandemic hit, things will be different this year for Mitch and the Kindersley Fire Department since they are unable to host an open house or visit schools to share information. “We will be trying to push as much information as possible through signage and social media. We have had some signage made that will put placed throughout town and we will be posting information on our Facebook page as well. Last fall we also dropped off a lot of fire safety material for the schools which I have heard from teachers that they love the material and I hope they are able to use it in their classrooms as we will not be able to get into any public spaces during Fire Prevention Week due to COVID.”
Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire injuries across the country. This year’s theme “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen” aims to educate people about the simple but important things they can do to keep themselves and those around them safe from fire in their kitchens and homes.
As helpful reminders, the Kindersley department has served up some kitchen fire safety tips for the community:
-Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires. Don’t leave cooking unattended. Keep an eye on the fries!
-Stay in the kitchen when cooking – especially if using oil or high temps.
-Ensure you are using a proper fitting pot lid near by, if the pit catches fire slide the lid over and turn off the stove. Do not move the pot.
-Wear tight-fitting clothing and push back your sleeves. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire. If your clothing catches fire, stop drop and roll while covering your face to protect your airway.
-Keep combustibles such as utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pit holders a safe distance from the stove.
-Keep children away from the stove. Make sure electrical cords are not dangling from countertops, where they could be pulled over by small children.
-Cool a burn by running water over the wound for 3-5 minutes. If severe seek medical attention.
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