Editorial
Although eight months have passed, residents of Davidson, Saskatchewan are still consoling heavy hearts in the wake of February’s house fire that killed three children and their grandparents.
While the cause has not been confirmed, the tragedy is a grim reminder of how crucial fire awareness is in the home and the simple things you can do to keep your loved ones safe.
If you, like many others are procrastinators, at least take five minutes to test your smoke alarms and CO detectors during Fire Prevention Week (October 6 to 12). Yes, that means getting out the step ladder [grumble], pushing the test button [grumble], or better yet, replacing the batteries [more grumbling]. It is also recommended that smoke alarms be replaced if they are more than 10 years old.
Remember, peace of mind is everything.
According to the Canadian Red Cross, portable space heaters are the leading cause of home fires during the winter months. Never leave these heaters unattended, and ensure their cords are not frayed or damaged.
Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Just think of PASS – pull the locking pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, and sweep back and forth.
Always keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach of children; many tragic fires have been caused by youth playing or experimenting with them.
Leaving your hot stovetop or a burning candle unattended have also made for some heartbreaking headlines. Don’t forget to extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the room.
Remember, never use water to put out a grease fire. Instead, put a lid or a baking sheet on the pan to smother the flames. (Don’t attempt to move the burning pot or pan by hand.) And make sure you turn off the heat source. You can also use baking soda on a small fire.
Always practise an escape plan with your family to avoid panic during a fire. Do your children know what to do? Do they know where the exits are? Stop, drop and roll if your clothes catch fire, and stay close to the floor during your escape if there is heavy smoke. Once outside, never go back into a burning structure, not even to save a pet.
Lyonel Doherty, editor
