Redwood Meadows Emergency Services wants to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe summer. Here are some good tips to keep in mind:
- Keep children and pets away from fireworks, stoves, grills and campfires.
- Bring a fire extinguisher or fire blanket with you on outdoor trips. This way, you can easily extinguish the fire before it grows out of hand.
- Before you use a grill, first check the connection between the propane tank and fuel line to ensure it isn’t blocked or leaking. Be sure to not overfill the propane tank.
- Douse hot coals with plenty of water before disposing of them. Never put them inside plastic, paper or wooden trash bins or containers.
- If you build a campfire during a picnic or camping trip, keep it small and douse it completely with water using the “soak, stir, soak” method to put it out. Check for fire bans at albertafirebans.ca.
- Formulate escape routes for houses or cottages. Practice fire drills at least twice a year. Leave emergency numbers near the phone.
- Use barbecue grills away from the house, from the tent or anything that can catch fire.
- When checking in at a hotel, Air BNB or renting seasonal property, don’t forget to check fire safety of the place. Examine if there are fire exits, fire extinguishing equipment, working smoke detectors and clear signage of the escape route.
- When using a lawnmower, never fuel it while it’s still hot. Give it a few minutes to cool down.
- If outside and your clothes catch on fire, use the STOP, DROP and ROLL method. Use a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire that isn’t spreading. Call 911 immediately.
Until next month, stay safe!
