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New pilot project to promote fire safety for Nelson seniors

Nelson Fire Rescue has announced its new Age Friendly Fire Safety Campaign.
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Maglios Building Centre donated 'Stove Reminders' to six of the Lakeview Village Residents.

Nelson Fire Rescue has announced its new Age Friendly Fire Safety Campaign.

In partnership with Maglio Building Centre and Lakeview Village, Nelson Fire Rescue is undertaking a pilot study project to bring increased fire safety and prevention to seniors living semi-independently in residential care facilities.

Studies have shown that cooking fires in the kitchen are a leading cause of structure fires and injuries.

Local experience has shown a steady number of “burnt food” incidents ranging from minor nuisance alarms to complete structural losses.

For a senior living in a care facility, any kitchen cooking incident, no matter how minor, can have significant consequences.

It can shake their confidence, threaten their independence, and cause family and care givers to question their level of care.

With this program, Nelson Fire Rescue hopes to both enhance the safety of Nelson seniors, as well as help them maintain the independence of their current living and care arrangements.

Maglios Building Centre has donated Stove Reminders to six of the Lakeview Village Residents.

Similar to the life-saving value of smoke alarms, these alarms detect the flow of electricity to a stove or range, and give the resident a reminder that the unit is still turned on.

The Stove Reminder pilot study project has recently been endorsed by the BC Fire Chief’s Association. Organizers hope that this electronic aid, paired with practical and regular fire safety tips, will help make seniors, often more vulnerable to the hazards of fire, safer in our community.

Anyone who knows a senior living independently in the community who may benefit from a Stove Reminder or a fire safety visit from Nelson Fire Rescue, should call the fire department at 250-352-3103.

 

7 Essential Kitchen Fire Safety Tips:

1) Never leave cooking unattended, even for a short time.

2) When using timed devices such as microwaves and toaster ovens, double check to ensure proper power and time settings.

3) Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking.

4) Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove to prevent accidentally knocking them over.

5) Keep appliances clean and uncluttered.

6) Place only cooking pots on top of the stove, even when turned off.

7) To extinguish a stove top fire, use an oven glove to slide a lid or cookie sheet over the flames. Turn off heat. Never attempt to carry a burning pot.