Fire safety tips to help you stay safe this winter

Ladysmith and surrounding areas have been hit by fires recently, especially house fires.

Firefighters have a tough job in this respect, as well as paramedics who treat patients for smoke inhalation, etc.

With this in mind, here are 5 safety tips to help avoid a fire breaking out at your home and someone potentially being injured:

1-  Ensure that your heater is in good working order and that cords and other components are not damaged. If you use a gas heater, inspect it to ensure there are no leaks. If valves, pipes or other components of the heater are damaged, either replace the parts that can be replaced or buy a new heater.

2- Notice flickering lights, or intermittent power surges. These conditions may be caused by outside influences, but if they occur often, they may indicate a bad connection or a short in the circuit.

3- Check the ground cable. A failure in the building grounding system and bonding can be dangerous with regard to electrical shock, as well as fire. Look for loose split bolts, clamps or other connecting devices, and corrosion.

4- If you have a fireplace, ensure you maintain it. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned, preferably by a professional.

5- Do not place heaters on carpets or too close to curtains, couches and other items that could easily be set alight.

DID YOU KNOW?

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