The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
It is 2004 Ð did you ever make any New Year's resolutions? Well, how about practicing safety for starters! I bet if you look hard enough, you will find hazards in and outside your home. Most home hazards can be prevented by hazard inspection and correction. Fire has no respect for happy occasions, and can strike with fury when you least expect it! Here are some safety tips to practice, and some home hazards to look for. Fire and Burn Prevention: Working smoke alarms are correctly located and installed, and maintained on each level of the home and cottage, outside and near all sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. Smoke Alarms are tested weekly by pushing the alarm test button, and monthly with actual smoke. Smoke Alarm batteries are changed in the spring and fall or when needed. Smoke Alarms are gently vacuumed every six months. A Home Escape Plan is in place with two ways out of each room, and a meeting place outside. You practice your plan twice a year. Matches and lighters are stored out of reach, and sight of children. There is a barrier around fireplaces and woodstove. You cook on the back burner and turn pan and pot handles in, so they can't be pulled or knocked off the stove. See 'Temp' P.# Con't from P.# Water temperature of the water heater is set no higher than 49 Celsius (120 Fahrenheit). Combustibles (things that burn) are at least three feet or more from the stove and heating equipment at all times. Electrical appliances like the coffee maker are unplugged after use. Cloths irons and curling irons are unplugged after use. Candles are extinguished and popery pots are unplugged before going to bed, work/school, or out. Stoves, ovens, and crock-pots/slow cookers are shut off before going to bed, work/school, or out. A fire extinguisher is present in the home and you know how to use it. Gasoline is never stored in the home or even an attached garage. Electrical outlets are covered by protective covers if children are present.
