Page 18 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 124

18 Issue #124 May 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

Burning Season is Upon Us

As one of the City of Cornwall’s’ Deputy Fire Chiefs, my role is to help you, the residents, be in the know when it comes to anything fire and fire safety.
That’s why I’m dedicating this month’s column to the controversial (drumroll please) Open Air Burn Permit process.
Open Air Burn Regulations started earlier this month, on May 1, and will last until September 30. Let’s dispel one common myth, shall we?
You can’t burn in Cornwall. That is false. That being said, there are strict bylaws that regulate who can burn what. For starters, you need to apply for an Open
Air Burn Permit. The cost for a three-season permit (2023, 2024 and 2025) is $100. Anyone wanting to apply can do so by visiting: www.Cornwall.ca/fire
Applications are reviewed by the Cornwall Fire Services within ten business days.
You do not need a permit if you’re using a small, confined fire to cook food on a grill, spit, or barbeque. All we ask is that when you’re done cooking, you extinguish
your fire right away.
So, you’ve received your burning permit and you’re ready to start burning. What are the next steps? Well, for starters, you will need to find the best spot for your firepit. You need to
make sure that it’s at least 7.5 meters (that’s just over 24 feet) from any building, structure, property line, tree, hedge, fence, roadway, overhead wire, or any other combustible article.
You might think that it’s excessive, but just think of what would happen if a flying ember decided to land on your neighbour’s house — which is a nice eight feet away from your
firepit.
Couple that with some of Cornwall’s older homes and you have yourself a perfect recipe for one big neighbourhood fire!
After finding where you will be spending many of your summer nights, you should buy yourself a rake or a shovel to keep near your fire. Oh, and don’t forget a bucket of water (just
in case things get ugly).
Next up, let’s talk about size. The size of your fire should also not exceed 45 cm in width, length, and height, and remember, you only burn from 6 p.m. to midnight.
You should also be fire smart when burning. By that, I mean that you shouldn’t be burning garbage, noxious material, or yard waste — no one wants to smell that! Only clean, cured,
seasoned hard wood may be burned.
Even though you have your burning open air permit, there are still days when you might not be able to burn. These include when it is rainy or foggy, if there is a smog alert in effect,
or if there is a burn ban in effect.
For more information on anything burning related, visit www.Cornwall.ca/fire

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

By Wayne Markell

Staying Safe this Summer

Ah summer — we’ve all been waiting for it. There’s nothing quite like enjoying some nice time in the sun after being cooped up
indoors during the winter.
You should practice these following sun safety tips. Too much sun and heat can be harmful!
When the UV Index is 3 or higher, protect your skin as much as possible. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat made
from breathable fabric. When you buy sunglasses, make sure they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
I f If you are expecting to spend lots of time outdoors on a nice, sunny day, make sure to wear sunscreen. Use sunscreen labelled “broad spectrum” and “water
resistant” with an SPF of at least 30.
Drink plenty of cool liquids (especially water), before you feel thirsty. If sunny days are also hot and humid, stay cool and hydrated to avoid heat illness. Dehydration (not having
enough fluids in your body), is dangerous, and thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
You should also limit your time in the sun. Keep out of the sun and heat between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The UV index in Canada can be 3 or higher during those times. When your shadow
is shorter than you, the sun is very strong.
Speaking of the UV Index, did you know that UV Rays can be harmful to you and your family all year round? Reflections off snow, water, sand, and concrete can increase the effect
of UV rays. You need to protect yourself on cloudy days, when you’re swimming, and even while skiing.
Look for places with lots of shade, like a park with big trees, partial roofs, awnings, umbrellas, or gazebo tents. Always remember to take an umbrella to the beach.
Not being careful can lead to skin cancer. The best way to find it in the early stages is to examine your skin often. See your doctor right away if you notice abnormally dark or
discoloured patches or spots or bleeding, crusting or change in the colour, size, or shape of a mole.
It’s also important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include high body temperature, confusion, and lack of coordination, skin rash,
muscle cramps, dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, heavy sweating, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, as well as dark urine and decreased urination.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, get out of the heat immediately, move to a cool place and drink liquids — water being best.
A heat stroke, on the other hand, will manifest itself in a high body temperature, confusion, dizziness/fainting, and more importantly, not sweating but having very hot, red skin. If
you think you or someone else is suffering from a heat stroke, call medical emergency right away!
While waiting for help, cool the person right away by moving them to a cool place if you can, applying cold water to large areas of skin, and fanning the person as much as possible.