Fire & IT News
Wood Burning Safety
Over the last couple of weeks, the number of flue related fires has been on the rise. This is just a note to residents who are burning wood to do maintenance on your flue. With the huge swings in temperatures that we are seeing this winter, it results in a perfect breading ground for creosote build up.
Some tips to help with this are to ensure that you are burning seasoned dry wood, which reduceds the amount of creosote in your flue which is the main cause of flue fires. Also, ensure that you are burning your stove hot enough as to not allow creosote to build up in your flue.
However, following these tips does not eliminate the need for scheduled cleaning of your flue to insure a safe burning envioronment for you wood stove to heat you through the cold winter.
Weather Notice from EMO Guysborough and Nova Scotia
Situational Awareness
Weather
The following information has been extracted from the attached weather briefing received this morning From Weather Canada.
This system will then begin to intensify rapidly as it moves up the eastern seaboard and tracks through the Maritimes Saturday night into Sunday morning. Significant amounts of snow are still expected to the left of the storm’s track while a changeover to rain is expected to the right of the track. There remains a potential several hours of freezing rain near the rain-snow line Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Strong winds are also expected with this storm although if the storm stays on its current forecast track the strongest winds would likely remain offshore. We now expect the precipitation to start spreading across Nova Scotia Saturday morning although it should be light at first and then pick up in intensity later in the day.
Although the computer models are in fair agreement of a storm system tracking through the Maritimes Saturday night, there is still some discrepancy in the details of the storm between some key models which means there is still lots of uncertainty with this storm.....
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Well, the holiday season is here again, but with this season, it too brings unique hazards that usually aren't present the rest of the year. Make sure your lights and candles are in good condition and suitable for use and they should also be CSA and/or ULC certified. Also, when plugging them in, don't overload your electrical system.
If you have a real christmas tree, continue to water it to ensure it stays as hydrated and fresh as possible.
Finally, if travelling, ensure you take care on the roads and plan your trips around appropriate weather conditions for safe travels.
New Delivery for Manchester/Boylston
The Manchester/Boylston Fire Department took Delivery of their new 2012 Pumper/Rescue apparatus on Friday, November 4, 2011. This is a 1,250 imperial gallon per minute pumper/rescue that replaces their current rescue unit and will compliment their 2004 International Tanker.
This unit will carry much of their necessary equipment for fire protection including turnout gear, a three bottle cascade system for filling breathing air tanks, 600 gallons of water, a foam system, and various other pieces of equipment.
Fire Prevention week will be soon upon us again. This year, fire prevention week runs from October 9th to the 15th. Each year, it acts as a reminder to keep fire safety in all of our minds to keep us fire safe. That is not to say that we should not be fire safe all year round. Also remember, that with the time change coming the first Sunday of November, it is a great opportunity to check the battery in your smoke detector.
The Hazel Hill Fire Department took Delivery of their new 2011 Tanker apparatus on Friday, August 26, 2011. This is a 2,500 imperial gallon tanker that replaces three older units that will be removed from services.
This unit will carry all of their necessary equipment for fire protection.
