Fire Safety Tips

BBQ Safety

If you misuse your barbecue, you're literally playing with fire.

First off, take a look at the location of your grill -- ideally; it should be on the patio without anything immediately around it. Don't put your BBQ up on the porch against a wooden railing, as it could catch fire or prevent proper ventilation.

When you've got the unit in a safe position and are ready to heat things up, always remember to open the lid of your gas barbecue before turning on the valve or attempting to light it. Letting gas build up inside the unit and then lighting it could cause burns.  

If your barbecue has an automatic igniter button, use it! However, if for some reason the button isn't working (be sure to check the battery), follow the lighting instructions for your particular model. Usually, the rule of thumb is to light the grill from the side (were you wondering what those little holes in the frame were for?) and not from the top, where your face is exposed.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a cleaner grill is a safer grill. Built-up grease on the cooking area and the pan underneath can catch fire while cooking at higher temperatures (if this happens, baking soda is an effective fire extinguisher). Clean the grilling surface with a good barbecue brush when it's still hot -- before and after preparing the meal. It's advisable to remove the grease pan for cleaning when it's cool so that you don't accidentally scald yourself.

After you've got that steak to a perfect medium rare, make sure you shut off the gas valve at the tank before switching off the console. Don't close the lid until both the tank and the console have been switched off to prevent trapping any residual gas.

Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Candle Safety

• Lit candles should not be left unattended. They should be extinguished before you leave a room, your home, take a nap or retire for the evening.
• Most candle fire incidents result from inattention or misuse. Keep away from books, paper, furniture, bedding, carpets, drapes, plastic or anything flammable. Also, keep away from drafts.
• Use candle holders that securely grip the candle so that it won't tip over or drip wax onto unprotected surfaces.
• Candles should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
• Ensure the candle is sitting on non-flammable surface to collect any wax drippings.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material.
• Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• The safest ways to put out a candle is by using a candle snuffer. It prevents hot wax from splattering.
• During a power outage try to avoid carrying a lit candle. Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space
• Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.

Cooking Safety

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol do not use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

What to do if you have a kitchen fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Holiday Safety

Project Holiday is a program sponsor by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) to help residents stay safe this holiday seasons. The online toolkit contains a ready-made news release, NFPA reports on causes of holiday fires, safety tip sheets, colourful gift tags and safety videos.

The following tips are offered by the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council. Follow these suggestions to keep your tree fresh and safe:

• If you buy a tree several days before you plan to set it up, store the tree outdoors or on a cool porch or patio until you are ready to decorate it. An area that provides protection from the wind and sun will help the tree retain its moisture.
• If you plan to store the tree for several days, make a straight cut across the butt end of the tree about one inch from the end. This opens the tree stem so it can take up water. Store the tree upright and place the butt end in a container of water.
• Trees are thirsty. They may drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed. A stand, which holds at least four litres of water, is recommended. If you allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree, a seal will form just as it does on a cut flower and a new cut will be necessary.
• Keep your tree away from all heat sources and make sure it does not block a doorway.
• Check all decorative lights before placing them on the tree and discard any frayed or damaged lights and cords.
• Never place lighted candles on or near the Christmas tree.
• When large amounts of needles begin to fall off, it is time to get rid of the tree

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