(HOWARD WONG / CHRISD.CA FILE)
Winnipeg firefighters are making door-to-door visits to educate residents on potential fire hazards.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service will be carrying out inspections during the spring and summer months. If a property is found to have a fire risk, firefighters will provide the resident with an information pamphlet and instruction on how to reduce identified fire risks.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service says all residents can reduce the fire risk in their neighbourhood by reporting hazards such as abandoned bulk waste.
The WFPS also says to keep shrubs and trees near buildings trimmed and watered and to store flammable material safely.
Other tips include:
· Dispose of garbage, leaves, lumber and bulky waste (such as mattresses or couches) properly and promptly.
· Ensure that your shrubs and flower beds are regularly cleared of dead plant matter.
· Do not extinguish cigars or cigarettes in potted plants. Potting soil and peat moss can be flammable.
· Keep firewood well away from your house or garage.
· Keep doors and windows secured. Don’t use double-keyed locks or bars on bedroom windows that could trap a person inside during a fire.
· Keep locks, hinges, frames, doors and windows in good repair. Check skylights, roof hatches, fences and gates regularly to ensure they are secured.
· Use motion-activated lights to brighten the outside of your home or garage.
· Be alert to any smoke or unusual odours.
· Smoke alarms won’t stop a fire, but they can save your life. Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed and change the batteries every year. Test your alarms monthly.
· Develop and practice a home escape plan and regularly review it with your family.
· Only use fire pits and other fire receptacles that are approved by the City’s Neighbourhood Liveability By-Law. Never leave an open fire unattended. Fire pits should not be used in wind speeds higher than 25 km/h.
