Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!
September 2016
Carbon Monoxide: the Silent Killer Inspect Your Detector Carbon monoxide is “the silent killer” - colourless, odourless and tasteless gas you won’t be able to detect on your own. If you have a carbon monoxide detector, a beep can mean the difference between life and death. Manitoba Hydro wants to help keep you safe. Make sure your carbon monoxide detector’s batteries are fresh, and be familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the detector periodically to make sure it’s working correctly. While a carbon monoxide detector can warn you of the presence of CO gas, it does not prevent build up of the gas. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can result from a faulty appliance, a clogged chimney, inadequate venting, back
drafting of flue gases, or a build up of engine exhaust in a garage. Follow these safety precautions to minimize the risk of CO build up in your house: - Have your heating system checked and cleaned regularly. - Install a fresh air intake duct into wood-burning fireplaces or stoves. If that’s not possible, leave windows open while burning wood. - Clear blockages from external vents and chimneys. - Never use gasoline-powered equipment in an attached garage (or in the house). - Never use a barbecue or propane lantern in your home or garage. Signs of Carbon Monoxide When your carbon monoxide detector is working properly, a loud alarm will sound at the presence
of CO gas. If you hear your carbon monoxide detector go off, you must react. It is a matter of life and death. Never unplug the detector or remove its batteries. Other signs indicating the presence of carbon monoxide gas include: - Stuffy, stale or smelly air, - More than the usual amount of window condensation, - Soot around fireplaces, chimneys, or other fuel-burning equipment; - Back draft of fuel-burning equipment; - Pilot lights that keep going out. Don’t let “the silent killer” into your home - inspect your carbon monoxide detector today. For more information on CO safety, visit hydro.mb.ca or call 1-888-MB HYDRO.
Prolific Scam Artist Sentenced On July 28 Jesse Cole, a prolific offender, was sentenced for his role in, a pre-meditated and sophisticated fraud on Steinbach area residents. Using the alias of Jesse Sinclair, Cole used on-line dating sites to locate and lure unsuspecting victims into a dating relationship. Once in the relationship, Cole conducted an on ongoing scam which involved fictitious real estate transactions, credit card fraud and debit card fraud. During the investigation, it was learned that Cole had been committing these offences across Canada for a number of years. Cole aged 32 of no fixed address had previously been charged with 30 fraud related offences by the Steinbach General Investigation section dating back to November 2015. Cole was convicted of one count of fraud over $5,000, for which he was sentenced to four years in jail. Cole was also convicted of two counts of fraud under $5,000, fraudulent possession of credit card data and failing to comply with a probation order. Cole was sentenced to an additional 18 months custody on these charges to be served concurrently with the four years. At the time of his arrest, Cole was wanted for similar crimes in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. These charges remain before the courts.
Wild Rice Harvest Opens in Whiteshell This year’s wild rice harvest in Whiteshell Provincial Park got underway for both handpicking and mechanical harvest on August 31. As a result of heavy rains and flooding in the area this season, the wild rice crop is expected to be poor on most lakes in the Whiteshell. Camping for harvesters in traditional locations such as Lone Island, Flags of Freedom, the picnic area at the Rennie River Bridge and the Betula group use area will be permitted. All regular camping fees will apply for those choosing to stay in a provincial campground. As in past years, lakes in the Whiteshell are divided into two categories for harvesting purposes. Harvesting must be done by hand at Lone Island, Little Whiteshell, Mallard, Crowduck and Brant Lakes as well as the portion of the Whiteshell River from Jessica to Mallard Lakes. Mechanical equipment may be used on Heart, Echo, Little Echo, South Cross, Jessica, Betula and White Lakes. Anyone seeking information about the rice harvest or general regulations, including fees, can contact the office in Rennie at 204-369-3152 or the Seven Sisters District office at 204348-4005.
Coffee Breaks Support the Alzheimer Society By Marianne Curtis For the next two months, getting together for coffee can help raise money for the Alzheimer Society. During September and October, businesses, individuals and organizations can help raise money to support programs and services for people with dementia, by hosting a Coffee Break event. Leona Doerksen, South Eastman Regional Coordinator for Alzheimer Society of Manitoba said a Coffee Break is an easy event to host. “Coffee Break is a great way to bring family, friends and coworkers together for a great cause,” sais Doerksen. “It really doesn’t take much of your time to participate in this fundraiser. Just put on some coffee and put out a donation box, we even provide you with the supplies!” When guests attend a Coffee Break event, they donate to the Society in exchange for
their coffee and treat. Any donation is appreciated and Doerksen added, “Guests can be assured that the money raised stays in Manitoba.” Coffee Break events can be held anywhere a table can be set up and serve beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, hot chocolate, lemonade and baked goods and snacks can be added. Requests can also be made to the Alzheimer Society for someone to come to the event and speak about dementia and the resources available to families. For those unable to participate in a Coffee Break event, text “COFFEE” to 45678 to donate $5 to the Alzheimer Society. To register as a Coffee Break host and obtain your special event kit, visit Alzheimer. mb.ca or call for more information at 204943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699.
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Back to School: Bus Safety When a vehicle – like a school bus – makes contact with power lines, electricity from the lines wants to find the easiest way to the ground. The bus provides a passage for electricity to the ground. If your school bus contacts a power line, take these steps: - Use the bus radio to call for assistance or yell to someone already outside the bus for help. - If the bus is still working and it is safe to do so, back the bus slowly away from the lines. - If you can’t back away, keep everyone on the bus. Passengers could be exposed to electrocution if they try to leave the bus. - Keep others at least 15 metres (or 50 feet) away from the accident site, as the ground around the vehicle will be energized. - Never touch a wire. If your school bus encounters a power line and it causes a fire, follow these steps: - Evacuate the bus – safely. To do this, students should hop clear of
the bus one at a time with arms tightly at their sides. They must jump clear without touching the bus and the ground at the same time. They must land with their feet together and shuffle a safe distance away from the bus. - Keep the students together in a group and do not allow them to re-enter the accident site. - Call Manitoba Hydro for assistance. When a vehicle meets power lines, electricity fans out from the vehicle like a pebble dropped into a pond. The most powerful current will be at the centre, and the voltage will decrease the further you get from the centre. You do not want parts of your body contacting two things of different voltages, as you will become the route electricity travels from higher voltage to lower voltage to ground. For more information about safety around power lines, contact Manitoba Hydro at hydro. mb.ca.