By Tyler J. Moffitt
The Safety Advocate
September is here and many of us that have cabins may have made numerous trips to them, as well as enjoying all the other things in the area that nature has to offer.
Other people may not own cabins, but may have visited relatives or friends that do own one.
Some of us may have stayed a night or two at these cabins, as well as having other family members stay overnight at one.
The last thing on most peoples mind is not always safety.
Let’s face it, how many of us have working smoke alarms in our cabin, including all sleeping cabins?
Thought provoking question isn’t it?
Many Canadians that have cabins do have working smoke alarms installed. However, many of us that own cabins or have stayed overnight at one have slept without having working smoke alarms present!
Smoke alarms are inexpensive and are at your local hardware store in your community.
Working smoke alarms increase your chances of surviving a fire should one strike in a cabin or sleeping cabin.
To minimize the risk of fire or burn injuries, hear are some basic recommended fire safety tips:
•Smoke alarm your cottage (cabin), as well as all other sleeping buildings (commonly referred to as sleeping cabins), by installing working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install working smoke alarms inside all bedrooms and sleeping areas;
•Test your smoke alarms at least monthly or each time you return to your cottage. Pack a new smoke alarm and extra smoke alarm batteries. Smoke alarms that are already installed may need new batteries;
•Install and ensure carbon monoxide alarms are in your cottage if it has a fuel-burning device such as a wood stove, propane fridge and stove, as well as a propane furnace or water heater;
•Develop and practise a home fire escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if your smoke alarms sound;
•If you must use candles, burn them in sturdy candleholders that will not tip and are covered with a glass shade. Snuff out your candles if you are leaving the room or going to bed; and
•Know all emergency telephone numbers for your local area and your cottages emergency (fire) number in case of an emergency.
Surprisingly, many people do not know their emergency (fire) number, as not all communities have 9-1-1.
Those that do have the 9-1-1 system do not know the alternate number to call should the 9-1-1 system not be working!
Safety—we can all make a difference!
Tyler J. Moffitt is a volunteer firefighter and emergency responder, as well as a continuous improvement advocate.
