We can all play a role in helping out our volunteer firefighters simply by taking measures to ensure they won't have to rush out to extinguish a blaze in the first place.
Of course not every blaze is preventable, but a significant portion of calls received could have been avoided by taking a few precautionary steps.
Kitchen fires remain altogether too common and potentially dangerous due to cooking oil and grease igniting into quickly spreading flames, yet they are largely avoidable. Know where your fire extinguishers are and how to use them, and keep handy a pan lid or cookie sheet that can be used to smother any grease or oil fire. Also, never attempt to move a flaming pot or pan away from the stove, as the movement can not only fan the flames and thus spread the fire but also potentially burn your hands, causing you to drop the pot or pan. Keeping the oven clean is important as well since grease and food splatters can ignite at high temperatures.
And as winter approaches, the risk of house fires throughout Canada increases as people are heating their homes more. Heating appliances such as space heaters should not have any combustible materials nearby. Additionally, electrical and heating systems can fail and become fire hazards, so should be regularly checked by a professional. Parents should take the time to teach children fire is dangerous and not something to play with, and people who smoke indoors or use traditional fireplaces should also ensure they do so safely.
Unfortunately, all of the preventive measures in the world are not always enough to stop Murphy's Law ó anything that can go wrong eventually will.
For the unpredictable, worst-case, fully engaged structure fire, take the time to plan out and practise an escape route in advance so you and your family instinctively know what to do without hesitation, because every second will count during such an emergency. Be sure to know not only the best ways to quickly egress from your home but also arrange a meeting place for your loved ones to regroup.
We all appreciate the selfless dedication to community service our volunteer firefighters represent, and we can show them our gratitude by doing our part to reduce the chances they'll have to run into a hazardous situation to help us.
Check pages 9-20 for our annual special section recognizing Fire Prevention Week, and stay fire safe! Visit www.fiprecan.ca for more information, and check out www.sundrefiresmart.com for tips on protecting your home from wildfire.
