Special Features - Fire Prevention 2013

OCTOBER 6-12, 2013

• PREVENT KITCHEN FIRES • BABYSITTER’S SAFETY GUIDE • LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS

• KID’S FUN STUFF

FLAMEGUARD TI EN

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Saluting Firefighters & Volunteers of the Community

• Kitchen Suppression Inspection & Installation • Fire Safety Plans • Fire Extinquishers

C2 THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

October 6-12

Get cookin’ with fire safety

T

here is a very simple recipe for cooking up trouble in the kitchen: all you need is a bit of distraction, loose sleeves, and a whole lot of disorganization on the stovetop. Needless to say, it’s not the best dish to serve up to your family. Fire Prevention Canada has a better menu in mind with this year’s Fire Prevention Week, from October 6-12 — the perfect time to be thinking about how to prevent kitchen fires while cooking.

Learning how to be wise when using the stove and microwave oven is as easy as learning to cook in the first place. Show your children the kid safety zone in the kitchen — this is a 90-cm buffer zone around the stove and oven. Because hot oil can spatter burning droplets into the air around the stovetop, and because of the risk of knocking over boiling pots of water, it is important that kids keep well clear of the dangers around this appliance.

signs of fire are gone; simply shutting it off and leaving the door closed will deprive the fire of oxygen and put it out. If the appliance continues to appear to be burning even after the flames are out, call the fire department. Be sure to keep an eye on a bag of microwave popcorn that is being popped, because heat can build up quickly.

For dangerous grease fires, never use water to extinguish the flames. Turn off the burner, quickly put on an oven mitt, and slide a cover over the burning pan or pot of grease — use a metal cookie sheet if you can’t find a pot lid. Leave the house and call 911 as soon as you think you can no longer control any kind of kitchen fire.

To put out a microwave fire, stop the appliance immediately by unplugging it or using the “cancel” button. Never open the door until all

at Canadian Tire we care.

The RDEK salutes our volunteer firefighters in Hosmer, Jaffray and Baynes Lake.

Main Office Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

Thank you to our local firefighers and volunteers.

1791 9th Avenue 250-423-4222

Proud sponsor of the Community Fire Chief for the Day Kids Contest.

1702 9th Avenue Hwy. 3 Fernie 250-423-5380

THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

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October 6-12

Babysitter's Fire Safety Guide

A babysit.

• Make sure you know what cooking materials can be used for the microwave.

s the babysitter, you are responsible for the children in your care. Here are some important points you need to know if there's a fire emergency in the home where you

Burn prevention & treatment:

Before the parents leave:

• Write down the complete address and phone number of the place where you are babysitting and phone numbers for: - Fire, Police, Ambulance & Emergency Service, often one number- 9-1-1.

- Where the parents can be reached.

- Neighbour(s).

• Keep this information in your pocket so that it's with you at all times and handy in case of an emergency.

Plan your escape:

If there is a fire while you are in charge, you must know what to do: • Is there a fire escape plan? If not, develop one.

• Identify all escape routes.

• Find at least two ways out of each room.

• Plan how you and the children will escape safely.

• Decide on an outside meeting place.

• Ask for a demonstration of the smoke alarm.

Guide to fire safety:

The best way to keep fire safe is to be watchful of the children in your charge: • Never leave children unsupervised.

• Check on sleeping children regularly.

• Keep matches and lighters out of their reach.

• Do not light candles while babysitting.

• Don't smoke on the job.

• Keep children away from the stove, hot liquids, electric

• • • •

• Always test hot foods and liquids before feeding.

• If your clothes catch fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL on the floor to smother the flames.

• Cool minor burns with cold water. If skin is blistered, charred or dead white, get emergency help immediately.

• When you see flames, smell smoke or hear the smoke alarm, get everybody out of the house.

Feel the door first. If it • isn't hot, open it very slowly.

• If there is fire or smoke Turn pot handles use another exit. in to avoid children • Crawl low under smoke knocking them – the air near the floor is safer to breathe. over or pulling • If you cannot escape, them down. close the door and seal around it with cloth to prevent smoke from entering the room.

• A l w a y s use the stairs and never the elevators.

• Designate a meeting place a safe distance from the house lamps and space heaters. and make sure everybody is there.

Keep space heaters at least 1 metre (40 inches) from drapes, • Take the children to a neighbour. furniture and bedding.

• Phone the emergency number from the neighbour's home.

Cook safely and only if you have permission.

• Give the complete address, describe the situation and Turn pot handles in to avoid children knocking them over inform the operator if anyone is still inside. or pulling them down.

• Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

Smother a fan fire with a lid. Never use water.

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250-423-0007 592 - 8th Avenue, Fernie, BC

Mayor McKerracher, Council and the District of Elkford Staff would like to sincerely thank all of our dedicated Volunteer Fire Fighters who work to keep our community and homes safe.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week is from October 6th to 12th, 2013.

Our theme this year is “Prevent Kitchen Fires”. To commemorate this important week, Elkford Fire Rescue will be hosting an Open House on October 12th at the Fire Hall (2300 Balmer) from 12:00 – 3:00 pm.

Remember, your best chance is your first chance, practice fire safety at home!

We cordially invite you and your family to attend this event. We will be providing information on Home Fire Safety, including smoke alarms, fire safety planning and providing instruction on use of portable fire extinguishers.

www.elkford.ca

C4 THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

October 6-12

Fernie Fire Department Fernie Fire Rescue Team

Back L-R: Troy MacLauchlan, Mike Bragg, Bruce Nelson, Dustin St. Jean, Cory Robinson, Ted Ruiter.

Front L-R: Dave Kurschenska, Tom Hopkins, Jason Kallies, Trevor Fairweather, Andrew Schmitz, Brett Uphill. Missing: Ryan Armstrong, James Buote, Steve Kallies, Kris Kurschska, Mike Lennox, Colin Letcher, Laura MacReady, Brendan Morgan, Zane Neal, Inaki Sarmiento, Kim Sedrovic, and Amber Siewert, Vern McGarrigle and Darrell Southgate

Hosmer Fire Department Hosmer Volunteer Fire Department

L-R: Elise Bryant, Cristy Gavan, Ian Adams, David Barrett, Cathy Follett, Neil Thompson, Craig Follett, Bert Eckel, Ted Shoesmith, Shelley Vaness, Mark Ehmann, Jeanine Smith, Ben Hendersen. Missing: Tania Wallman, Glenn Wallman, Elijah Thompson, Dale and Marty Garrett, Spenser Olson, Clifton Mitchell, Scott Shatalow, Jeff Zmyrchuk

Sparwood Fire Department Sparwood Fire Rescue Team

Back L-R: Brad Hogg, Warren Prochner, Bob Larson, Steve Benoy, Chris Hegedus, Tammy Clowers, Darrick Lawson, Brian Jones, Brian Ryckman, Al Laidlaw, Dwayne Matatall, Dean Juneau, Tom Bremner, Pete Race, Dave Bruce. Front L-R: Ken Syrja, Sheldon Tennant, Karl Ehrler, Jim Jones, Mike Harrington

THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

October 6-12

Jaffray Fire Department Jaffray Fire Rescue Team

Back L-R: Yann Loranger, Willy Rayman, Sandy de Jong. Middle L-R: Kathy Wiens, JT Ewasiuk, Troy Carlyle, Laurent Leonetti, Colton Reay, Viktor Mouchet, Gautier Darandovas, Sylvie Couturier, Guillaume Courmont. Front Kneeling L-R: JP Braaten, Dave Boreen. Missing: Jacky Stotts, Clinton Ewasiuk, Cindy Lightburn, Dan Fediuk, Jolene Gorrie, Curtis Gleeson, Dan Carlyle, Cristallin Toullec, Shari Fabiano, Claude Poirier, Lynn Carlyle, Lainee Gleeson, Todd Martens

Baynes Lake Fire Department Baynes Lake Fire Rescue Team

Back L-R: Sean Ebbern, Bonnie Kari, Steve Ebbern, Jim Cosens. Middle L-R: Jane Carlson, Judy Ebbern, Sharon Leeper. Front L-R: Pennee Harris, Greg Harris, Bert Tiffin. Missing: Rob Prevost, David Sutherland, Alan Agate, JT Ewasiuk, Greg Dyble, Shelley Vanderveen, Janet Baher, Sandy Helfrich, Dave Boreen, Todd Martens

Elkford Fire Department Elkford Fire Rescue Team

Back L-R: Garry Shiosaki, Misty Shinners, Cleopatra Wittfoth, Bernie Van Tighem, Louis Bourgeois, Sheldon Theil, Patrick Milan, Patrick Sorensen, Corey Kortmeyer. Missing - Bruce White, Elov Simmons, Scott Haugo, Harvey MacPherson, Ryburn Regular, Kevin Rookes, Derik Finlay, Neil Hawthorne, Bobbie-Lee Houseman, Gary Tucker, Lydon Simmons, Brad Cromey, Loren Langille

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C6 THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

JOIN US AS WE SALUTE OUR LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS For their selflessness and bravery we salute the brave men and women of our fire department.

Fernie Fire Rescue Putting Our Community First

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October 6-12

Make a difference in the community – become a firefighter!

“We have a training officer on staff,” said Ruiter.

By Angela Treharne Free Press Staff

F

ernie’s new fire chief is stepping up his recruitment drive for auxiliary firefighters in the City, and is looking for people willing to put in the time for training.

Ted Ruiter, who joined the Fernie Fire Department from Ontario two months ago, said the biggest problem he faces with the department is retention.

“The problem in Fernie is that a lot of people are either here for the short term, or the ones who are here long term aren’t here because they want to be a firefighter! They are here for the playground that is in their backyard!

“The ideal candidate will already have First Aid training and an Airbrakes licence, and will be able to maintain their hours.”

He said firefighters are also involved in a lot of community activities, such as Learn not to burn week and the mine rescue competitions.

“We were just involved in the mine rescue competition a couple of weeks ago,” he said. “It was a lot of fun.”

Answers to Puzzle PAGE 7

“This presents a challenge to us. This job requires a commitment. Not a lot of people have the time to give. You need an understanding spouse.”

The Fernie Fire Depratment has seven full time members of staff and around 20 auxiliary (volunteer) firefighters).

Ruiter said the department tries to maintain around 20 to 25 auxiliaries, but they have to keep up with the required weekly training.

New recruits will train a few weekends, then a couple of hours every Tuesday evening.

The auxiliaries do receive remuneration, based on experience.

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THE DISTRICT OF SPARWOOD IS PROUD TO PAY TRIBUTE TO OUR FIREFIGHTERS During Fire Prevention Week we are given the opportunity to tell all of our firefighters just how much they are appreciated and to thank them for all they do to keep our community safe.

We salute our firefighters for their dedication and commitment to fire rescue, skills training, and promoting community fire safety awareness and education.

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THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

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October 6-12

Kids, complete the fire safety crossword puzzle!

Possible Answers

Alarm, Chimney, EMS, Evacuate, Extinguisher, Fire Drill, Fire Escape, Firefighter, Flames, Heat, Prevention, Safety, Smoke, Water, Drop

ACROSS 1. Stop, _____, and roll 3. What you see coming from a fire that can burn you 4. Emergency Medical Services 6. Used to put out fire 8. ________ detector 10. Liquid that comes out of a fire hose 12.A warning device 13.An escape plan that you practice to make sure everyone can get out of the house safely.

DOWN 2. Doing things that keep a fire from happening in the future is called fire _________.

3. A person who fights fires 5. An emergency exit 7. What you feel when you get too close to a fire 8. Protection from harm 9. Leave a building 11.The way Santa comes into the house and where smoke goes out from the fireplace.

Answers on page 6

C8 THE FREE PRESS, OCTOBER 3, 2013

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Calculate your home’s IQ

2) Cooking with oil

• Do you fry food in anything other than a deep fryer?

[] Yes [] No • Do you keep a pot’s lid out of reach when cooking?

[] Yes [] No • Do you set the stove to medium-high heat when heating cooking oil?

3) Outlets and extension cords

• Do you leave one or more extension cords permanently plugged in? [] Yes [] No • Do you have electrical wiring passing under your carpet? [] Yes [] No • Do you sometimes overload your outlets? [] Yes [] No • Do you use an extension cord even though it seems damaged? [] Yes [] No

4) Candles

• Do you leave lit candles unattended? [] Yes [] No • within reach of children? [] Yes [] No • accessible to pets? [] Yes [] No • near drapes or other flammable objects? [] Yes [] No • in wood or plastic candle-holders? [] Yes [] No • in unstable candle-holders? [] Yes [] No

5) Smoke detector

• Do you ever remove the battery from your smoke detector to stop it from going off ?

[] Yes [] No • Has it been more than one year since you last checked the batteries in your smoke detector?

[] Yes [] No

Our Valley’s fire departments are always looking for more volunteers.

Get involved with the department in your area!

Jaffray: 250-429-3473 Baynes Lake: 250-529-7451 Fernie: 250-423-4226 Hosmer: 250-423-4221 Sparwood: 250-425-6271 Elkford: 250-865-4020

ANALYZE YOUR RESULTS

[] Yes [] No • Do you salt food over the fryer?

[] Yes [] No • Do you leave the kitchen when you’re cooking?

[] Yes [] No • Do you wear long-sleeved or loose-fitting clothes when cooking?

[] Yes [] No

On our IQ test, zero is the best score. If you answered “no” to each of our questions, then you have an inflammability quotient of zero.

Congratulations! Your score indica­tes that, with your kind of vigilance, your home is safe.

For each “yes”, add five points and calculate your score. If you scored above 20, let it be a reminder to be more careful. Review the questions to which you answered “yes” and try to correct the situation.

• Do you smoke while lying on the couch or in bed? [] Yes [] No • Do you place your ashtray directly on your sofa or bed? [] Yes [] No • Do you throw out cigarette butts and ashes in the garbage without wetting them first? [] Yes [] No • Do you leave lit cigarettes unattended? [] Yes [] No

Free Press files

As an example, did you answer in the affirmative to the question “Do you sometimes overload your outlets?” If so, then go check your outlets; avoid plugging several electronic devices into the same wall outlet. Get a power bar instead — it’s much safer!

(inflammability quotient!)

1) Smoking

October 6-12