Get Prepared – AFTER A POWER OUTAGE
- Do not enter a flooded basement unless you are sure the power is disconnected.
- Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have been checked and cleaned by a qualified electrician.
- Replace the furnace flue (if removed) and turn off the fuel to the standby heating unit.
- Switch on the main electric switch (before, check to ensure appliances, electric heaters, TVs, microwaves, computers, etc. were unplugged to prevent damage from a power surge).
- Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting tools and appliances. Turn the heating system-thermostats up first, followed in a couple of minutes by reconnection of the fridge and freezer. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting all other tools and appliances.
- Close the drain valve in the basement.
- Turn on the water supply. Close lowest valves/taps first and allow air to escape from upper taps.
- Make sure that the hot water heater is filled before turning on the power to it.
- Check food supplies in refrigerators, freezers and cupboards for signs of spoilage. If a freezer door has been kept closed, food should stay frozen 24-36 hours, depending on the temperature. When food begins to defrost (usually after two days), it should be cooked; otherwise it should be thrown out.
- As a general precaution, keep a bag of ice cubes in the freezer. If you return home after a period of absence and the ice has melted and refrozen, there is a good chance that the food has spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Reset your clocks, automatic timers, and alarms.
- Restock your emergency kits so the supplies will be there when needed again.
For further information go to : https://www.getprepared.ca
CAMPFIRE SAFETY
What could be more Canadian than roasting marshmallows, singing songs and socializing around an open fire in the evening? Follow this simple advice from the Canada Safety Council to help make sure everyone will have happy memories.
- If there is a fire pit use it, but first make sure it is free of hazards. Otherwise, look for some bare ground.
- Clear debris such as leaves or twigs away in a three-metre diameter area around the fire site, and build a circle of rocks to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Adults, not kids, should start campfires. Use tinder (e.g. dry needles or grass) or crumpled newspaper to ignite the fire — never gas.
- Keep the fire under adult surveillance at all times: supervise children and pets; and prevent the fire from getting too big or sparks from flying into the bush.
- Have a bucket of water, sand and a shovel handy.
- Totally extinguish the fire before you go to sleep or when you leave the site.
- Always carry a flashlight to find your way at dusk or in the dark and help others find you — one flashlight per person.