2009-05-15
14:21:29
It's expected many people will be using the May long weekend to opening their camps or venturing out to a favourite campsite.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority wants to ensure you a have a safe, fun-filled weekend
Spokesperson Bernadette Celis says make sure you a thorough check of your camp.
"Most importantly having any fuel fired appliances checked out and maintained during the season, that's really important," says Celis, "because that's certainly your first line of defence to making sure there isn't going to be any build-up of carbon dioxide in the cottage."
Celis says its also important to check for any damage to electrical lines and that bar-b-ques connections are secure and aren't leaking propane.
Other pointers for a safe, fun-filled weekend courtesy the Technical Standards and Safety Authority
At the Cottage and Campsite
Now that you are planning that great city-escape, take along a few simple tips - and enjoy the great outdoors. Make safety second nature.
Cottage
- check burners and exhaust systems of all appliances for blockages or obstructions such as insects, rodent nests, rust fragments or other debris that could lead to dangerous levels of CO;
- get your propane or gas-fired appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and heaters inspected and/or repaired by a certified technician;
- replace batteries in your CO and smoke alarms and test them to ensure they are working properly;
- clean your barbecue and check for any fuel leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap; and
- keep in mind that barbecues are approved for outdoor use only and should not be stored inside any structure.
Campsite
- arrive with enough daylight left for a general safety check, and look for broken glass, sharp objects and natural hazards;
- ensure open-fires are permitted by local and provincial authorities. Clean up the fire pit and cut back any branches or brush that may have grown too close; and
- use only paper or kindling when starting a fire at your campsite. Be sure the fire is in a safe, open area, well away from flammables and other natural combustibles. Never leave a fire unattended.
Portable Heaters
While you may be tempted to pull out that portable heater, never use fuel-burning space heaters in any enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car, home or cottage. Every year, unsuspecting campers and cottagers are seriously injured - and, in some tragic cases, die - due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a result of improper use.
If one of your last May 2-4 holiday stops happens to be a local LCBO store, look for TSSA's latest SummerSmart brochure for further safety tips on cottaging, barbequing, camping and RV use. You can also check it out on our website - www.safetyinfo.ca. Gain peace of mind, knowing you are protecting yourself and loved ones - and remember: safety is up to you.
