Preventing Injury
Fire Prevention
(original article By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland , Feb 10 2021)
Northumberland County’s Fire Prevention Committee has issued a reminder to install smoke alarms, as well as some guidelines for the best ways of doing so.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).
On levels without bedrooms, install your smoke alarm in the living room, den or family room and/or near the stairs. Basement smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at the foot of the stairs leading up.
Smoke alarms should be no closer than 10 ft. (three metres) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms.
Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers or other decorations could actually keep them from working.
For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so that, when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology. When interconnecting, it is important to be sure that all the alarms come from the same manufacturer – if they are not compatible, they may not sound.
There are two types of smoke alarms – ionization and photoelectric.
An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, while a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smouldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination ionization-photoelectric alarms (also known as dual-sensor smoke alarms) are recommended.
Always keep manufacturers’ instructions for reference and maintain them according to instructions. Follow these instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms in good working order.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month, using the test button. Make sure everyone in your home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm immediately.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that type of alarm chirps, it’s a warning that the battery is low and should be replaced right away. When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions specific to the brand and model needed – the unit may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
Concussions
Rowan’s Law Day is the last Wednesday of each September
Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer who, in May 2013 at the age of 17, died as the result of a head injury she sustained while playing rugby with her high school team. Rowan’s Law and Rowan’s Law Day were established to honour the memory of Rowan Stringer and bring awareness to concussions and concussion safety.
Key Concussion Resources
Parachute’s concussion resources – including the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport here
Government of Ontario – Rowan’s Law Concussion Safety here
Ophea’s Rowan’s Law Toolkit for Schools here
Cooaches’ Association of Ontario’s Concussion Toolkit here
BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit’s Concussion Awarenss Training Tool here
Water Safety
Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue here
Canadian Safe Boating Council here
Drowning Prevention here (Parachute Canada)
Float Plan – used to outline the details of each boat trip here (smartboater.ca)
Lifesaving Society here
Safe Boating Guide here (Transport Canada)
Be Aware and Stay Safe
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre here
Consumer Product Safety (Health Canada) here
Crimestoppers Peterborough Northumberland here
Emergency Preparedness Guide (Gov’t of Canada) here
Get Cyber Safe (Gov’t of Canada) here
Health and Safety (Ministry of Labour) here
Ontario Poison Centre here
Electrical Safety Authority here
Electrical Safety at Home #NoSafeShock Campaign (information, toolkit and resources for parents/caregivers) here
Farm 911 (the use of 911 signage on rural property) here
Disclaimer: These links to third-party websites are provided solely as a convenience. Safe Communities Northumberland County (SCNC) has no control over these websites or their contents and in no way endorses any linked third-party sites. SCNC does not make any representations of any kind regarding such linked content, including the accuracy, completeness, or non-infringement thereof. SCNC does not assume any responsibility or risk for use of these links. Use the contents of these websites at your own risk.