Summer Home Safety Tips

Below are tips on how to keep your home and family safe  this summer.

In the House

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries immediately if needed. 
• Check your fire extinguishers.
• Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords, replace where needed.
• Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in case of incidents such as power outages and flooding.
• Practice your families fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency
• Windows should be checked to ensure they open and close properly, in case they are needed as an exit
• Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents
• Recycle: Get rid of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. These items tend to pile up and can greatly contribute to the severity and spread of fire.
• Check and clean filters above stove.
• Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils.
• Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.

Around the House

• Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street.
• Maintain a clear 'fire zone' of 10' around structures.
• Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances for animal nests and to ensure proper wiring.
• Keep 100' of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use.
• Remove leaves and trash from carports and garages: Combustible materials are dangerous if they are exposed to heated automobile components, especially under the vehicle.
• Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals.
• Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.
• Let power equipment sit for approximately 30 minutes before placing it inside to be sure there is no possibility of fire.
• Some municipalities do not allow open air burning.  Always check with your local fire department for questions, instructions and permits.

BBQ Tips

• All barbeque grills must only be used outdoors — using grills indoors or in enclosed spaces is not only a fire hazard, but it exposes occupants to toxic gasses and potential asphyxiation.
• Always position the grill well away from combustible objects — buildings, fences, deck railings and landscaping can easily and quickly ignite.
• Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Always use long handled grilling utensils and heat resistant oven mitts to avoid exposure burns from heat and flames.
• Periodically remove grease build-up in catch trays to prevent it from igniting.
• Keep a garden hose nearby, connected and ready for use in case of a fire.

Three Steps to Emergency Preparedness

Everyone should be ready to leave their homes in case of an emergency such as flood or fire.

An emergency preparedness kit makes it easy to grab and go if you need to evacuate or leave your home quickly. 

You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. By taking a few simple steps today, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere.

Verdant Creek Wildfire 25 km from Canmore

The 3 Steps

# 1: Know the Risks

Although the consequences of various disasters can be similar, knowing the risks in your region can help you better prepare. Across Canada, we face a number of hazards, such as earthquakes in British Columbia, blizzards in Nunavut and tornadoes in Ontario. In addition to natural disasters, there are other types of risks, such as power outages and industrial or transportation accidents. 

Find out the risks most likely in your community by visiting the ‘Know the risks' section from the GetPrepared.ca website or by calling 1-800-O-CANADA to obtain our National Hazards map.

# 2: Make a Plan

Every Canadian household needs an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in case of an emergency.

Your family may not be together when an emergency occurs. Plan how to meet or how to contact one another, and discuss what you would do in different situations.

It only takes 20 minutes to complete a personalized plan online. You can then print it out. Most of this information can be filled out on your own. You may need to get some information from your municipality. To complete your emergency plan online, visit the ‘Make an emergency plan' page from the GetPrepared.ca website.

To fill out your home emergency plan, you will need to think about the following:

• Safe exits from home and neighborhood
• Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
• Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable
• Contact persons close-by and out-of-town
• Special health needs
• Place for your pet to stay
• Risks in your region
• Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical box, gas valve and floor drain
• Keep this document in an easy-to-find, easy-to-remember place (for example, with your emergency kit). 

# 3: Get an Emergency Kit

In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. You may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet.

Basic emergency kit

• Water – at least two litres of water per person per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
• Food that won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (Replace food and water once a year).
• Manual can-opener
• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Extra keys to your car and house
• Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and change for payphones
• A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
• Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize your kit according to your needs)
• TIP
• Keep a corded phone in your home, as most cordless phones will not work during a power outage.

Recommended additional items

• Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
• Candles and matches or lighter (Place candles in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
• Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
• Toiletries
• Hand sanitizer
• Utensils
• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
• Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, dust mask, pocket knife)
• Small fuel-driven stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's directions and store properly)
• A whistle (in case you need to attract attention)
• Check your kit twice a year to ensure contents are up to date. Re-stock as needed.

2nd Place at 24 Hours of Adrenalin

Congratulations to The Mudslingers 10 person team.  They came in 2nd in the 10 person category, last weekends 24 Hours of Adrenalin held here in Canmore, AB at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Jordy was part of the team and spun his laps around the course.  The team had one shoulder/arm injury (he will recover) but all riders completed their assigned laps in good time.

While Jordy was out riding, Jim ran the business and cheered the team on.

The 24 Hours of Adrenalin was created (1994) with the sole purpose of gathering like-minded people together for a weekend of fun, challenges and positive experiences. It’s a family and friends event that invites all abilities of riders to one of the world’s best outdoor playgrounds.

This is an annual event in Canmore, check it out if you are interested in riding next year. 24 Hours