Cottage Safety Tips

Thursday, 16 May 2019 at 11:28

A lot of people will be opening up their cottage, trailers, cabins and motor homes over the long weekend.

With this in mind the Brant Fire Department is offering up a few safety tips. Fire Prevention Officer Jeff Balkwill says this is a great time of year to head outdoors.

"When you return to your cottage, trailer or houseboat, please remember to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and test them regularly. If your seasonal getaway has a fuel-burning appliance then carbon monoxide alarms are required to keep you safe."

The following are safety tips for returning to your seasonal getaway:

- Know the telephone number for the local fire department and your seasonal home's emergency sign number, in case of emergency.

- Have a preplanned escape route, with a meeting place. Keep it posted in a common area.

- Clean barbecues before using them. Keep an eye on lit barbecues and ensure all combustibles, as well as children and pets are kept well away from them. Fires can happen when barbecues are left unattended.

- Keep barbecue lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.

- Have your fuel-burning appliances checked at the beginning of each season.

- Check with your local fire department, municipality, or Ministry of Natural Resources to determine whether open air burning is permitted before having a campfire or burning brush. If open burning is allowed, fires should be built on bare soil or on exposed rock. Remove leaves and twigs from around the fire to keep it from spreading. Always keep a bucket of water, sand, or even a shovel close by and supervise the fire at all times.

- If you must smoke, do so outside. Keep a large can with water nearby so cigarette butts can be safely discarded. If you drink, do so responsibly. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are contributing factors in many fires and can lead to serious injuries.

- Burn candles in sturdy candleholders that will not tip and are covered with a glass shade. When you go out, blow out.

Balkwill says it is important to take every safety precaution when you are heading to remote locations.

"When vacationing in an isolated area, keep in mind that help from emergency services may be some distance away. It’s important that you eliminate your risk of fire. We hope everyone enjoys this upcoming season and the great outdoors."