Page 16 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 126

16 Issue #126 July 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

chool’s out, and summer is officially here! Before we dive into the fun, let’s take a moment to discuss some
Simportant safety precautions now that kids will be spending more time at home.

As parents, you can help keep your child safe by fireproofing your home. Did you know that candles are a
common cause of home fires? To prevent accidents, keep lit candles out of reach of children and away from any
flammable items. Teach your children to maintain a safe distance from candles and ensure they are placed in a
sturdy holder that can’t be easily knocked over. Also, consider getting a glass shade or hurricane chimney to place
over your candles. Another crucial step is storing matches and lighters in a secure location outside your child’s reach.
By doing so, you minimize the risk of accidental fire-starting.

In the case of a fire, reviewing your home escape plan with your child is always good practice. You should be able to identify at
least two ways out of every room, and check that all exits are unblocked and easy to use. In addition, regularly inspect cords for any
signs of damage, such as fraying or nicks. Please remind your child never to insert anything into electrical outlets unless it’s a plug.
As more children have access to electronic devices, take the time to educate them about electrical safety, including not overloading
sockets or outlets.

Finally, cooking incidents are a leading cause of fires in Cornwall. Establish a kid-free zone of at least one meter around the stove
and any other areas where hot food is prepared, to prevent accidents. For more information on fire prevention, visit our website at
https://www.cornwall.ca/en/livehere/prevention.aspx.

By implementing these fire safety measures, you can create a safer environment for your child and enjoy a worry-free summer!

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

By Wayne Markell

ince summer has officially begun, it’s time to have some fun! Whether you enjoy music, daytime, or
Snighttime activities, the region has got you covered. Cornwall and the Counties host many events,
including concerts and fairs, all of which are essential for your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual
wellbeing.

I want to dedicate this column to the events happening throughout Cornwall and the Counties and ask each of you to
ensure you have fun safely. If you enjoy entertainment, check out the “Meet Me on Main Street” series in North Dundas.
You can also attend an intimate concert at the winery in South Dundas or attend a County Fair. If you’re interested in cars or bikes,
consider attending one of the many Bike Nights or Show and Shines in the area. Perhaps you’d like to explore the Saunder’s Hydro Dam or
visit Upper Canada Village.
As you can see, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! If you need to cool down, there are a number of pools and beach areas you can visit
to unwind in the heat. While it’s important to have fun, it’s crucial to be cautious while taking part in fun summer activities and events. Before
heading out, make sure you are prepared for the conditions. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and regularly applying
sunscreen. Also, make sure you stay hydrated, so drink water—and plenty of it! But remember, even though alcoholic drinks might be mostly
water, the alcohol is actually a diuretic. This means it causes you to lose water, so it’s important to stay hydrated when consuming alcohol.
By staying hydrated, you can lower your risk of dehydration and heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If you are playing on the water, please ensure that you observe all safety rules like wearing personal floatation, a helmet etc., and remaining
drug and alcohol free if driving any watercraft.

By taking these summer safety precautions into account, you can have a great time without putting your own or your family’s health at risk.