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
