iStock, Stocksy WINTER 2018 BCA A .COM 21
Holidays turn up the heat in our
kitchens, with many a turkey roasting
and pie baking. According to the National
Fire Protection Association, cooking
appliances are the leading cause of home-
structure fires and injuries. "If you're
cooking with oil, have a lid nearby you can
put on top of the pan to choke off oxygen.
[Water will spread, not douse, a grease fire.]
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know
how to use it," says Pacholzuk. And test your
smoke alarms once a month. Repeat: test
your smoke alarms.
Break-ins escalate with the season as
well. Thieves are opportunists, says Const.
Jason Doucette of the Vancouver Police
Department: "Don't tempt them." In almost
half of residential burglaries, robbers get in
through unlocked doors and windows. Keep
recycling bins out of sight, he adds, as empty
SNOWBUSTERS! TIPS
FOR SAFER SHOVELLING
Snow shovelling is a gruelling task.
Here's how to do it safely:
• Dress in warm, lightweight layers,
covering your head, ears, feet
and hands.
• Warm up by stretching your legs,
arms and back, and take regular
breaks.
• Use a sturdy, 'D'-shaped snow shovel
with a chest-height handle to reduce
forward bending.
• Push, don't lift, snow as much as
possible. If you must lift, scoop
smaller amounts, use your knees and
avoid twisting your back; instead pivot
your whole body. Hold the handle
close to your body to reduce strain.
• If you're a senior or at risk of heart
attack, consider asking or hiring
someone else to shovel. If you're
young and able-bodied, volunteer to
shovel for those who can't.
For more tips on safe shovelling, visit:
ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/
snow_shovelling
It's never too early to learn good
shovelling technique; (above)
keep trees and branches well
away from fireplaces.
TIP!
Learn more about
deterring crime at
vancouver.ca/police,
and about fire safety
at fiprecan.ca
