According to the Alberta Fire Commissioner, cooking, smoking materials and arson are the top three known causes of home fires in Alberta. The kitchen area, yard/patio/terrace and sleeping areas are the top three areas of fire origins.
Did you know that using a plant pot as an ashtray could start a fire? The potting plant soil could insulate the cigarette butt instead of extinguishing it.Â
Many potting soil mixes on the market today can often contain more organic material than inorganic material. For example, potting soil can include shredded wood, bark, and/or peat moss with a minimal amount of "real" soil (dirt).
When you use a dried out plant pot as an ashtray, it will work to insulate the lit cigarette. The soil heats to ignition temperature and begins to smoulder. Smouldering can continue for several hours, and when sufficient oxygen is available, the material can break into flame. If other combustible materials are in close proximity to the planter, it may become involved resulting in a serious fire.
Safety tips:
There's nothing like outdoor grilling. But, a grill placed too close to anything that can catch fire is a hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries.
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Lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. These powerful batteries can potentially overheat and pose a fire hazard when they are not used the right way. Like any product, a small number of these batteries are defective which can also cause them to catch fire.Â
Stop using the battery if you notice these problems: odour, change in colour, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.
Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and burn extremely hot, making them difficult to put out.
For small batteries: If you have a class ABC or BC fire extinguisher and are trained on using it, attempt to extinguish the fire. If you are not trained or do not have a fire extinguisher, get out of your home and call 9-1-1.
For large batteries: Because of the way the batteries are encased and the toxic nature of the gases, do not try to put them out. Leave the building or area and call 9-1-1.
Okotoks Fire & Rescue receives an influx of calls regarding carbon monoxide during the winter when we experience very cold temperatures with an abundance of snow. This contributes to a risk factor, but residents should be careful at all times during the year.
There are two most common factors contributing to the increase in calls. The first is people leaving cars running in their garages. Even with the garage door open, there can be a hazardous build up of fumes. Always move your car out of your garage to warm it up.
Secondly, newer homes with high efficiency furnaces which have intakes and exhausts down low on the exterior of the house, are, in some cases, being blocked by snow drifts and causing a back up of carbon monoxide in the home. If you have a new home with a high efficiency furnace, ensure that the exhaust and intake are not blocked.
Best way to stay safe is to have a carbon monoxide detector installed according to the manufactures instructions and ensure the batteries are checked and changed regularly. As well, you should have all of your fuel-burning appliances checked annually.
Use this document to assist you with the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors: Â Â Carbon Monoxide Detector Placement
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas. Carbon monoxide is very toxic and it can be lethal.
If you experience any of these symptoms, go outside into the fresh air and call 911.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem but no one is ill, evaluate the situation. Go outside into the fresh air. Then return to your home, open the doors and windows to allow fresh air in and call ATCO Gas or another qualified technician to inspect your appliances and check your home for other possible sources of carbon monoxide.
Smoke alarms, when properly installed, tested and maintained, provide the best early warning system in the event of a house fire. Detection and warning of smoke and fire saves lives and reduces damage to homes and personal belongings.Â
Test smoke alarms once a month by pressing the alarm's test button and replace the batteries of each smoke alarm twice a year.
Replace smoke alarms after 10 years. Or, if you discover a smoke alarm is defective or broken after testing, replace it.
People who die in home fires, often die from breathing in smoke and toxic gases emitted from fire. These poisonous gases can render a person confused, disoriented or even unconscious after only a few short breaths. Toxic effects may overcome residents before they have time to escape or even wake up from sleeping. A smoke alarm combines smoke detection and alarm sounding in one unit.
When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for a product that has been manufactured and tested to an acceptable standard, indicated by a marking for the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), or Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated (cUL).
If you’ve ever wondered how safe your home is, you can get an expert opinion! Okotoks Fire & Rescue has a Home Safety Inspection Program aimed at helping residents identify potential risks in their homes and promoting safer homes for residents.
The inspection is a free voluntary service for interested residents and will take approximately a half hour to complete. The inspection will cover the following:
If an inspector spots hazards that are easy to fix like a dead battery in a smoke detector, the inspector will help the resident fix the problem right away.
To book an inspection, call the Fire Hall at 403-938-4066.
Keep Your Family Safe from Household Chemicals
Chemicals you use in your home can be dangerous to your health and the environment. Even if your cleansing wipes are running low, please do not mix cleaning products when disinfecting your home. Mixing cleaning products can lead to irritated airways, respiratory problems, or serious burns to your skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs.Â
DO NOT MIX:
Bleach & Vinegar = Toxic Chlorine Gas
Bleach & Ammonia = Toxic Chloramine Vapors
Bleach & Rubbing Alcohol = Chloroform
Hydrogen Peroxide & Vinegar = Peracetic Acid
Be sure to follow manufacturers instructions for use and storage of household chemicals.
Learn where to take all kinds of items:
Note: The Okotoks Fire Stations DO NOT accept these items; they can only be dropped off at the Eco Centre or the landfill.