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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Encourages Residents to think “Safety” during Power Outages

(Thursday, November 16, 2004) -

· Have a battery operated smoke alarm, as well as spare batteries for radios, etc.
· Use battery operated lights during power outages, rather than candles, or oil lamps.

Candle Safety (Only Use With Extreme Caution)
· Ensure candles are secured in a good candle holder, preferably with a glass chimney
· Be careful about the type of candle holder, as some glass bowl types have been known to crack, or break from the heat as the candle burns down, possibly causing a fire.
· Candles or oil lamps should not be placed on window sills, as the proximity to curtains is not safe.
· Don’t place candles near combustibles, or in unstable locations such as a couch or chair.
· Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
· Never leave candles burning unattended.

Portable space heaters:
· Ensure heating appliance are approved for inside and maintain proper clearances from combustibles (as per manufacturers instructions).
· Remember that carbon monoxide can kill even though you can’t smell it! Don’t bring your propane tanks inside and don’t fill heaters inside.

Generators
· Ensure generators are installed by a professional. Feeding power into the panel, in the wrong way, could pose dangers to people outside.
· Generators must remain outside and ensure fumes don’t get into the house through exterior venting or a nearby window.
· Make sure all circuits are turned off before starting the generator. Only turn the circuits on that you will use.
- 2 -

Other Helpful Tips:
· Residents on wells should fill containers for drinking water and fill the bathtub (for flushing toilets) prior to a storm.
· Have at least one basic phone that doesn`t require power.
· Cellular telephone circuits may become extremely busy during emergencies. Emergency workers rely on cell phones to communicate and unnecessary calls may mean emergency personnel can’t get through.
· Before the storm, turn your refrigerator and freezer settings to their coldest settings. This could buy some time to keep food from spoiling.
· Keep the freezer and fridge doors closed as much as possible..
· Keep a manual can opener for canned food.
· Learn how to open your garage door manually.
· Only use cooking and heating equipment certified for indoors.
· Always assume that downed wires are live, and keep your distance from them.
· If temperature is below freezing, put frozen food on deck, but protect from animals.

For further information contact:

Fire Prevention Office
490-5546

Above content last modified Thursday, November 02, 2023 at 11:40am.