MCDOUGALL, ON – Cottagers are being told to get prepared as they could get a surprise visit from fire authorities in the coming weeks.
The McDougall Fire Department said in a release that it will be visiting cottages on Trout Lake and Lorimer Lake by boat over the civic long weekend.
According to the fire chief, Brian Leduc, officials will be checking for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“It is the law to have working smoke alarms on every level in the home and outside each sleeping area,” Leduc said in the release. “Carbon monoxide detectors should also be near sleeping areas in any home with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”
Fire Prevention Canada reported that 78 per cent of fire-related deaths happen in homes. It added most of those fatalities are while people are sleeping, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
The National Fire Protection Association said roughly one-sixth of fire deaths happen in homes where smoke alarms are not working or nonexistent.
The release cited a quote from the Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency Management that said today’s homes burn up to eight times faster compared to 50 years ago.
“You may have less than 60 seconds to escape a fire in your home,” The release stated. “Smoke alarms can increase your chances of surviving a fire by up to 50 percent.”
Leduc said fire officials will be going “DOCK to DOOR,” to remind cottagers of the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“They will able to assist with any testing of alarms and detectors, battery replacement or questions you may have,” Leduc added.
Anyone looking for more information is asked to contact the McDougall Fire Department.