Barriere Fire Rescue and Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department are offering some great safety advice for parents and kids prior to Halloween as well as heading into winter.
Barriere Fire Chief Ashley Wohlgemuth says “Halloween is a time for fun and spooky celebrations and activities, but it can also be a time for some truly scary fire safety hazards. As the holiday nears, take simple precautions that can help ensure the holiday remains fun and fire safe.”
Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ron Lampreau has some wise words for trick or treaters as well. “The Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind kids and parents to watch out for cars, use reflective costumes, carry a flashlight, and check your candy. Stay safe this Halloween and have a ‘spooktacular’, fun night!”
Here are some tips the Barriere fire teams from both departments would like to remind you of:
• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween decorations.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o’-lanterns with candles in them.
• Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
In preperation for winter, with the first snowflakes due to arrive this week, the Chu Chua fire department is being proactive with a message to “Stay Safe in Cold Weather!”
“As the temperature drops below freezing this week, make safety a priority,” cautions Lampreau. The following is a list of important cold weather tips:
- Dress warmly, layering with insulated clothing, hats, gloves and scarves.
- Check your heating sources ahead of time to ensure your heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves are working safely.
- Stay informed and monitor weather updates and road conditions.
- Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators and heating devices outside and have CO detectors installed.
- Winterize your home by insulating pipes to prevent freezing, and stock up on essential supplies.
- Drive with caution, to conditions. Slow down on icy roads, and have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.
- Check on your neighbours by looking out for one another, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
“Let’s make this winter safe and warm for everyone in our community by being prepared,” says Lampreau.
