May 18, 2018 - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds all campers to protect their families and guests from fire and carbon monoxide (CO) this camping season. 

"Fire safety is just as important away from your home as it is at your home," said Fire Chief John Hay. "Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are the early warning systems that give you the valuable time needed to escape tragedy."

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue recommends following these steps when opening up camp for the season:

"¢    Prepare and practise a fire escape plan for your camp or cottage
"¢    Check the age of all smoke alarms and replace those over 10 years old
"¢    Replace CO alarms as outlined by the manufacturer
"¢    Install new batteries in all alarms, especially in camps closed for winter as cold temperatures drain batteries
"¢    Test all smoke and CO alarms and continue to test every month

The same Ontario law that requires working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside all sleeping areas, and carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-fired appliance, fireplace, or attached garage also applies to camps and cottages.

"Tragedy can strike quickly if your early warning systems like smoke alarms and CO alarms are not in place or functioning properly," added Chief Hay. 

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Contact:     Anthony Stokaluk, Public Education Officer - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, 625-2802 (office), 631-7033 (cell) or astokaluk@thunderbay.ca