Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Encourages Residents To Think “Fire Safety” During Power Outages

• Be sure you have a working Smoke Alarm.
  • Check to ensure your smoke alarm has a battery back-up.
  • Check to ensure that the back-up battery is in fact working.
• If you burn any fuels that produce carbon monoxide (wood, oil, gas etc.) or if you live in a home that has an attached garage, a working Carbon Monoxide Alarm should also be installed. 
• Be sure to have spare batteries on hand for both.
• Many homes today have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms which are dependent on your home's electrical system and could be inoperable during a power outage.  You must check to make sure yours have a battery back-up.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly.

Candle Fire Safety: 

• Use battery operated lights rather than candles or oil lamps.
• If you must use candles, use them with extreme caution - never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Ensure candles are secured in a sturdy candle holder that won't tip or burn - some glass bowl types have been known to crack or break from the heat as the candle burns down.
• Candles or oil lamps should not be placed on window sills as the proximity to curtains and other combustibles is not safe.
• Don't place candles near combustibles or on unstable surfaces such as a couch or chair.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

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Portable Space Heaters:

• Alternative heating devices used incorrectly create fire hazards.
• Ensure heating appliances are approved for indoor use.
• Maintain proper clearances to combustibles - as per manufacturers instructions. 
• Keep space heaters at least one meter (3 feet) away from anything that can burn, including curtains, upholstery, clothing and people.
• Make sure your space heater has a "tip switch".  These are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
• Never refuel your heater inside the home.
• Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
• Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
• Be sure the appliance is cooled before refueling.
• Remember - Carbon Monoxide can kill even though you cannot see or smell it!
• Do not bring propane tanks inside.
• Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home.  In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.

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Portable Generators:

• Ensure portable generators are installed by a Certified Construction Electrician following the manufacturers installation instructions and all applicable code requirements.
• Always follow the manufacturers maintenance and operating instructions.
• Portable generators must be used outside.
• When choosing your exterior location, ensure that fumes will not enter the house through exterior venting or nearby windows or doors.
• Make sure all circuits are turned off before starting the portable generator.  Once started, only turn the circuits on that you will use.

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Electrical Safety:

• If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
• Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
• Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs, and plugs.
• Exposed outlets and wiring could present a fire and life safety hazard.
• Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced.
• Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

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Natural Gas Safety:

• Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
• Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
• Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

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Other Helpful Tips:

During a winter season HRM can experience extreme cold conditions and significant snow fall - both of which can contribute to increased hazards in your home or work place.

• Remember to clear snow away from the fire hydrant nearby when you are removing snow from your driveways and sidewalks. This ensures that fire hydrants are accessible for firefighters in case of an emergency at your home.
• Check for snow accumulations around exit doors, stairways and fire escapes so that occupants have safe ways out in an emergency.
• Have and practice a Fire Escape Plan.
• Be sure you know how to open your garage door manually.
• Keep intake and exhaust vents (chimneys) for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build-up.
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
• Make sure that ashes from your wood stove/fireplace have cooled before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.
• Have your heating system inspected annually by a qualified service technician.
• Have at least one basic phone that does not require power (cordless phones require electricity).

• Use your cellular phone responsibly during power outages.  Cellular telephone circuits become extremely busy during emergencies.  Emergency workers rely on cell phones to communicate and unnecessary calls may mean emergency personnel cannot get through.
• Only use cooking and heating equipment certified for indoor use.
• Always assume that downed wires are "live" and keep your distance from them.
• In the event of an emergency dial 911 from a safe location.