20/01/2026
Sharing information about health is always a great idea, not only when it comes to physical wellness, but also from a safety aspect, to protect our valued customers and friends!
Here are some safety tips from our Deer Lake Fire Rescue that are so awesome at what they do, and so helpful to our community. Thanks everyone!!!
✨ "Safety isn't a single grand gesture; it's the result of a thousand small, intentional choices made every day." ✨
Fire prevention often lives in the details we don't think about until it's too late.
As we continue through another busy winter, here are a few more "not-so-obvious" hazards to look for:
1. The "Ghost" in the Toaster
When was the last time you emptied the crumb tray? In the winter, we tend to make more toast and warm snacks. Those dry crumbs at the bottom can eventually ignite after repeated heating.
* The Fix: Unplug it and shake it out over the bin today! It’s a 30-second task that prevents a kitchen fire.
2. Vacuum Your Alarms
We talk a lot about batteries, but what about the sensor itself? Dust, pet hair, and tiny cobwebs can settle inside your smoke and CO alarms. This can lead to annoying false alarms or, worse, prevent the sensor from "seeing" smoke when it matters.
* The Fix: Use your vacuum's soft brush attachment to gently clean around the vents of your detectors once a month.
3. The "Hairdryer" Rule for Frozen Pipes
With the cold snaps we get in Newfoundland, pipes can freeze. It is tempting to grab a blowtorch or a propane heater to thaw them quickly. Never use an open flame. This is a leading cause of winter structure fires when the heat transfers to the wooden studs behind the pipe.
* The Fix: Use a hairdryer or wrap the pipe in towels soaked in hot water. It’s slower, but it’s safe.
4. Cracked "Cold-Snap" Cords
Not all extension cords are built for a Newfoundland winter. Cheap indoor cords become brittle in the cold. If the outer jacket cracks—even a tiny bit—moisture from melting snow can cause a short or a fire.
* The Fix: Check your outdoor cords for any stiffness or cracking. If it’s not specifically rated for "Extra-Low Temperature," it shouldn't be outside.
Stay vigilant, Deer Lake! Let’s keep our homes safe and our firefighters at the station. 😉