Safety Tips

Vial of Life Program

The Vial of Life Program, run by Leduc Fire Services, is designed for members of the community who have medical conditions that may leave them unable to communicate with the paramedics.

A “vial of life” contains:

• 1 large medication vial that is placed in the refrigerator.
• 1 pamphlet for each person of the household (who has a condition) that contains information (name, AHC number, medical conditions, allergies) placed inside the vial.
• 2 elastic bands to hang the vial from the wire rack inside the fridge.
• 1 sticker that is placed on the main entrance of the residence. This will alert the paramedics that there is a vial on site if needed.
• You may also place a copy of your do not resuscitate (advanced directive) order inside your vial.

Fire Prevention

Change your Clock, Change your Battery
When you turn your clocks back in October, make a lifesaving change in your household--change the batteries in your smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms nearly cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire.

Smoke alarms are your first line of defence and alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10pm - 6am when most families are sleeping. 

Regardless of where a fire starts in a home, the structure can be engulfed in flames within minutes. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.

>> Fire Prevention Guide

Recovering From a Fire

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. The First 24 Hours After a Fire Loss resource will help you find out where to begin and who to contact.

Fireplace Ashes

Several times a year, particularly during the winter months, Fire Services respond to fires caused by improper disposal of hot ashes from wood-burning fireplaces.

Coals and ashes from fires can remain hot enough to start a fire for many hours or even days after you think the fire is out. The exact amount of time for complete extinguishment and cooling depends on many factors such as how hot the fire was, what was burning, how much unburned fuel remains.

To be safe, treat all ashes and coals as hot, even when you think they had time enough to cool. The following 3 simple steps will ensure your home doesn’t become a victim of careless disposal of hot ashes and coals:

1. DO NOT remove hot ashes from the fireplace immediately. Wait 2-3 days and let the ashes cool completely until there are no remaining hot embers.
2. NEVER put fireplace ashes in a combustible plastic trash container as it can easily ignite. If you have to remove the ashes from the fireplace before they are completely cool, put the ashes and hot embers in a metal bucket. Move the bucket outside the house/garage and well away from anything that is combustible.
3. ONLY put fireplace ashes in your combustible plastic trash container once they are completely cool and after you have put your trash container out on the street for trash pickup.

If your household uses a wood or coal burning fire place it is equally important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.

Firepit Safety

According to the Fire Services Bylaw, outdoor fire pits must be a minimum of 3m from buildings, property lines and other combustible material. The fire pit must not exceed 0.6m in height, and the opening must not exceed 1m in width at the widest points. The fire pit must be made of bricks, concrete blocks, heavy gauge metal or other non-combustible materials, and it must be covered with a mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25cm.

Outdoor fire places must be a minimum of 1m from buildings, property lines or other combustible materials and must be built of material such as bricks or rocks that are heat and flame resistant. The fireplace must have a chimney that is not less than 2.5m in height, and it must have a regulation screen to reduce airborne sparks. The base of the burning area must not be less than 0.3m and must be between 0.4 - 0.6m deep.

• Burn only clean-burning dry wood, charcoal, or natural gas.
• Do NOT burn wet grass, plastic, painted or treated wood.
• Use kindling and build up your fire slowly for a controllable fire.
• Lighter fluid is an unpredictable and dangerous method to start a fire.
• Where the wind is taking the smoke—if it’s blowing right to your neighbour’s house, perhaps don’t have a fire that day.
• Keep chairs and other furniture at least 3f away from fire pits. It only takes a few seconds and a spark or flame to start a fire.

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program

Leduc Fire Services in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week is targeting older neighbourhoods in the community to receive smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. As part of an ongoing fire prevention strategy, homes in the greater downtown area will receive an alarm or have existing units tested.

To qualify for the program, your residence has to have been constructed during or prior to 1978, you must be a senior citizen/older adult, have a disability and/or live on a low income. To receive one of these devices, fill out this form or contact Fire Services at 780-980-8475.

Plan & Practice Your Home Fire Escape

In addition to working smoke alarms, the best defence against a fire is a well-rehearsed escape plan. Knowing exactly what to do can save precious seconds in the event of a real emergency. The Canada Safety Council recommends these steps to prepare your family fire escape plan:

• Draw a floor plan of your house.
• Mark 2 ways out of each room.
• Establish a meeting place outside the house.
• Be sure each family member has the plan and knows the escape route.
• Post your fire escape plan on the fridge or bulletin board.
• Hold a fire drill for your family once or twice a year. Vary the drills to practice escaping from different fire sources.

Long Weekend Safety Tips

If you drive impaired you could face legal or financial ramifications, social consequences or worse, loss of life. Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking or using drugs. Plan ahead for safe transportation.

Driving:

• Buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and  your hands on the wheel.
• Reduce speed and be alert to oncoming drivers and other drivers at intersections.
• Keep a safe distance behind big trucks and RVs to stay out of blind spots.
• Signal well in advance when turning or changing lanes.
• When passing larger vehicles allow extra time to complete your task.

Boating:

• Drive defensively.
• Never drive while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
• Reduce speed and be alert to other boats and people in the water.
• Wear personal protection equipment. Have a lifejacket in the boat isn’t good enough.
• Always have another person with you on board as a spotter, especially when towing a skier or tube.

Construction Zone Safety

• Slow down and obey signs in construction zones.
• Be alert and watch out for workers and equipment.
• Construction workers and flag persons wear fluorescent safety gear so they are very visible.
• Uneven pavement, loose gravel, sharp shoulders and temporarily removed medians are "hidden" hazards, so drive with care.
• Vehicle and pedestrian traffic may be limited at times.