Fire Prevention and Safety

March Fire Safety

March marks the beginning of wildfire season in Alberta, stay informed by downloading the Alertable app and the Alberta wildfire map. For the most up to date information on restrictions, bans, and wildfire status visit Alberta WildFire

During the month of March, 25% of house fires are caused by smoking materials being improperly extinguished. hile smoking around the outside of the home, many people will use flower arrangemets and potted plants to extinguish their cigarette butts, this is the leading cause of fires during March. All smoking materials need to be disposed of in a non-combustible container that is filled with either sand or water.

• Since 2017, 24 of the total 106 house fires were caused by improperly extinguished smoker’s materials
• 93 per cent of the fires caused by improperly extinguished smokers materials originated outside of the home
• Over 50 per cent of the fires caused by improperly extinguished smokers materials occurred between March and June

Burn Awareness Week

Did you know, most fire-related injuries are burns?

February 6 to 12 is Burn Awareness Week and RES wants to remind the community to cook with care and prevent kitchen fires and personal injury. This year’s theme is “Burning Issues in the Kitchen!” The most important rule is to never leave cooking unattended. 

Most kitchen fires are caused by overheated cooking oil and grease.

Follow these steps when dealing with a grease fire: 

• Never use water.
• While wearing an oven mitt, use a pot lid or baking sheet like a shield and slide it over the top of the pot. 
• Turn off the heat.
• Wait at least 15 minutes before moving the pan and removing the lid/cover to ensure that the fire is completely out and the contents have had time to cool.

Prevent burns and injuries:

• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Wear clothing with short or tight sleeves when cooking, as loose clothing can catch fire from a gas flame or electric burner. 
• Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove. 
• Always keep a lid nearby when you are cooking. 
• Keep all combustibles such as curtains, dishcloths, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper towels, pot holders, and food packaging away from the stove. 
• Carefully remove lids or other coverings to prevent steam burns when cooking food in a microwave.
• Establish a “kid-free” zone of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or hot beverages are prepared and/or carried.
• Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach.

RES reminds residents that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. REPLACE all alarms that are ten years old or older and TEST alarms monthly. 

2021 Fire prevention week Oct. 3 - 9

Take the time needed to learn the steps (or freshen up your knowledge) on how to reduce the likelihood of having a fire and how to escape safely in the event of one. 2021 Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 3-9 and this year's theme is "Learn the sounds of fire safety."

There are several learning resources available to use yourself, or as a parent or teacher:

• Our 2021 Fire Prevention Teacher’s Toolkit for grades K-3 was created by our local Fire Prevention branch. The Toolkit features RMWB’s very own Senior Fire Inspector/Investigator, Tanya! There is also a 2021 Fire Prevention Toolkit PowerPoint presentation available.   
• Find all of Sparky's fun activities and colouring pages at Sparky.org
• The National Fire Protection Association website provides various materials and resources for all ages. 
• Sparky’s Schoolhouse is where fire safety connects with learning and where parents and teachers can find all of the lessons, classroom or home resources, educational videos, and games they need for Fire Prevention Week and for yearlong fire safety education. These educational materials are intended for children 3-10 years old. 
• Below are some fun and important educational videos from Sparky.org but make sure to visit their website for more! 
• Learn the sounds of fire safety 
• I spy cooking safety
• I spy fire safety
• Making a home fire escape plan

Presentations and Tours

Regional Emergency Services offers the opportunity to schedule fire safety presentations, training and tours to a variety of groups. For more information contact Pulse.

After a Fire

The Fire Prevention branch helps those impacted by fire. As part of our commitment to the residents in our region, the following information is intended as a guide for victims of fire and may not necessarily relate to your specific needs.

Recovering from a fire can be a challenging process for those impacted. Often, the hardest part is knowing the initial steps to take, and who to contact throughout the early recovery period. The “After the Fire” guide was designed to assist you in dealing with some of the common issues associated with confusion and lack of information, immediately after a fire.

Links

Fire prevention

• National Fire Protection Association
• Alberta Emergencies and Public Safety
  
  

Children and fire safety

• Sparky the Fire Dog