Keep Safety In Mind this Holiday Weekend

Released on June 30, 2017

Holidays are meant as a time to relax.  To reduce the risk of being hurt or accidentally starting a fire this holiday weekend, follow these simple safety tips:

• Teach your children not to play with fire or matches.
• Before purchasing any family fireworks, first check if your municipality has bylaws that prevent the sale or use of these fireworks in your area.  If fireworks are allowed, follow all instructions on the package concerning their use.  You should also follow the guidelines found in the Family and Consumer Firework Shows Fact Sheet (http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/redirect.cfm?p=73749&i=82628) from Publications Saskatchewan.
• Do not launch flying lanterns, also known as fire lanterns or sky lanterns, as they are extremely dangerous and can easily start a fire.
• Do not throw lit cigarettes or matches out of moving vehicles.  Instead, dispose of them correctly in an ashtray or other approved container.
• Avoid parking on or driving through dry grass.  Your vehicle's exhaust is more than hot enough to start a grass fire.
• Keep a three (3) metre area around your barbeque or fire pit free of vegetation or material that could burn.  To prevent sparks from igniting the surrounding area, close the lid of your barbeque while cooking and place a fine mesh screen over your concrete or metal fire pit.
• Never leave your barbeque or fire pit unattended.  Once you are done, completely shut off your grill or extinguish the flames in your fire pit with water.
• Prepare for any severe weather events and listen to the weather forecast before heading out.