After a fire broke out in a local apartment building this week a number of local residents are left to pick up the pieces and try to get back on their feet as everything was lost.
If you can help out your support is welcome!
It is a coincidence that the unfortunate happening took place during Fire Prevention Week but this is a week where we can all take note of the precautions that can be taken to help prevent occurrences like this from happening in the future.
October 6 to 12 is Fire Prevention Week in Saskatchewan and often mishaps can (not always) be prevented.
"Research from the National Fire Protection Association shows that two out of every five house fires start in the kitchen," says Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter. "Often these incidents can involve children. I encourage all parents and caregivers to sit down with their kids and discuss the issue of fire safety and to develop a plan on what to do when an emergency strikes."
This year's campaign is focussing on the dangers of kitchen fires, most of which result from unattended cooking, while also educating residents on how to prevent fires from starting in the first place.
"Often when we're called to investigate a fire that started in the kitchen, residents tell us that they only left the kitchen for a few minutes," Fire Commissioner Duane McKay adds. "Sadly, that's all it takes for a fire to start and get out of control. Fire Prevention Week is one of many tools we have to help educate the community before they find themselves in a dangerous situation."
When in the kitchen, a few simple rules will help avoid kitchen fires:
If there are young children in the house, use the stove's back burners whenever possible.
Keep children at least one metre away from the stove.
When cooking, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.
Keep potholders, oven mitts, paper towels, or anything else that can burn away from your stovetop.
Clean up food and grease from burners and stovetops as soon as possible.
If experiencing a grease fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
While not every fire can be prevented, a little education and caution can go a long way towards stopping the ones that can.
Take care out there!
For more information on Fire Prevention Week and fire safety visit, www.gr.gov.sk.ca/FPW.
