Oak Bay Fire Department

1703 Monterey Avenue, Oak Bay B.C. V8R 5V6 (250) 592-9121
Email:  obfire@oakbay.ca       Fax:  (250) 598-2749

News Release
Date: March 2, 2015                                                        OBFD file # 2015-09

For Immediate Release:
Weekly Media Release for Monday, February 23, 2015 to Sunday, March 1, 2015.  Over the past week, Oak Bay Fire Department members responded to 25 calls for assistance.  These calls for assistance include:

15 – Medical First Responder Requests
5 – Commercial / Residential Alarm Activations
1 – Public Assistance
1 – Chimney Fire
3 – Motor Vehicle Incidents

Safe and Sound at home during Spring Break

With Spring break fast approaching please review the following safety tips for kids who will be at home without parent supervision.

• Discuss rules and guidelines while you are away at work.  Can they have friends in the house?  Where can they play in the house?  What can they eat?
• Discuss where they are allowed to go outside the home.  Can they go to a friend’s house or another neighbor?  Can they go to the park or to the store on their bike?
• If they will be preparing their own meals, have them practice using the stove and oven while you are home so you can go over safety concerns.  If possible, prepare meals ahead of time that are easy to reheat in the microwave or don’t require heating of any kind.
• Create and practice your home escape plan in case of fire.  Set off the smoke alarm so they are familiar with the sound and have them practice getting out of the house safely.
• Post emergency phone numbers near the phone, including trusted neighbors, your work phone, cell phone, poison control (1-800-567-8911), and FIRE/EMS numbers.
• Do not allow children to take a bath if you aren’t home.  Will you allow them to go to the neighborhood pool?  Do they know how to swim and have they taken swimming lessons?
• Lock up medications (including vitamins), alcohol, and cleaning supplies so they are not tempted.
• Discuss how and when to answer the door when you are away.  General rule of thumb, if you don’t know the person on the other side, don’t open the door and do not let anyone in the house unless you have approved them.
• Is your child allowed to go with a friend’s older siblings or parents in a car?  Who can they go with?  Do they need a car seat/booster seat?
• Stock your first aid kits…Band-Aids are a must!
• Check in at regular intervals with your child to ensure they are staying safe and having fun.

Staying home alone is a lot of fun and a lot of responsibility.  Each child is different and can handle responsibilities at different ages.  If you are unsure, find a baby sitter or a neighbor who can check in on them throughout the day.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.