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Theft Prevention with Lighting and Alarms

11/7/2019

Did you know that a residential break-and-enter occurs approximately every 2.5 hours in Calgary? Calgary police said there was a 51% increase in B&E activity in the city during the first seven months of 2019 compared to the five-year average.

After seeing a significant increase in break-and-enters throughout the city, the Calgary Police Service is urging citizens to be hyper-vigilant when it comes to regularly securing their homes, businesses, vehicles and personal belongings.

One significant way First Aid Electric can help you is with the installation of security lights and alarms to your home.

Thieves and burglars tend to pry around late at night and target homes without or little lights. Surprise them with motion sensor security lights!

Protect your home and belongings by installing motion sensor security lights and alarms. First Aid Electric can help you with that.

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Be Careful with Candles

11/7/2019

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Candles provide festive decor for the holiday season. They are part of worship ceremonies. They can scent the air with mood-enhancing aromas. And if the power goes out, candles may become an alternative to electric lights.

Candle Fires
However, home fires caused by candles continue to be an issue. Outside the holiday season, candle fires most often start in the bedroom. Scented candles may be used to create a romantic or relaxing environment. Predictably, people fall asleep while the candle continues to burn. All too often, the flame ignites a mattress or bedding so it's best to keep candles out of all bedrooms. In the case of power outage, keep flashlights on hand.

The most common scenario is that the flame ignites something nearby, perhaps when the candle is knocked over or burns too low. If someone can put the fire out immediately, there may only be damage to the surrounding area. However, if a fire starts when no one is in the room — or awake — a major disaster is likely.

Are any types of candles more dangerous than others?
Yes! Candles with multiple wicks can produce high flames and intense heat. As well, candles with flammable decorations embedded in them, or as part of a decorative arrangement.

Precautions

Place candles on a stable surface away from anything that might make them fall, can burn (curtains, tablecloth) and out of reach of drafts, children and pets.
The holder should be non-combustible, large enough to contain any dripping wax and sturdy enough to not tip.
Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch and stop burning taper and pillar candles within 2 inches of the holder.
Snuff them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Invest in a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.

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Home Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

11/6/2019

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Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure you have them and that they’re working.

Light up the night without igniting the lights

Purchase extension cords for the specific job – don’t improvise with an indoor cord outdoors, or daisy chain several shorter cords instead of just getting a longer one.
As with extension cords, indoor-rated light strings and pre-lit trees are for indoor use only. Products marked for indoor use are not designed to hold up against the elements. However it is safe though to use outdoor extension cords and light strings indoors.
It is not a good idea to connect different types of light strings together. For example, don’t plug in a new LED string to your old incandescent light string.
Do not run extension cords under carpets, out windows or doorways where they could become pinched.
Inspect light strings/set and extension cords before use, and discard any that show signs of wear or damage.
Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact may cause overheating or shock.
If using candles, burn them in proper holders, on sturdy surfaces away from children and pets. Put out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Do not overload electrical outlets.

Staying warm

If you must use a space heater, plug it directly into a wall outlet, not into an extension cord or power bar. Give it lots of room — at least 1 m (3 feet) of space on all sides, and turn it off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Consider replacing old space heaters with newer models that turn off automatically when tipped or overheating.
Use a barrier to keep children and pets away from gas or wood burning fireplaces when they are in use.
Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing in the fireplace.

Cooking safe

Don’t leave grilling, frying or broiling unattended.
Keep cooking surfaces clutter-free.
Order in if intoxicated.

The Tree

If using a real one, make sure to keep it well-watered and away from sources of heat.
Never use candles on or near the tree.

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Electrical Help

Theft Prevention with Lighting and Alarms

Be Careful with Candles

Home Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

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