NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2007PSSG0001-000003 Jan. 3, 2007	Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Office of the Fire Commissioner B.C. Coroners Service
SAFETY FIRST CAN PREVENT NEEDLESS DEATHS

VICTORIA – Fifteen British Columbians needlessly lost their lives due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in 2006, a number that needs to be reduced in the New Year, said Minister of Public Safety John Les.

 

            “Sustained public education is the key to preventing these kinds of accidental deaths,” said Les, who is responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner and B.C. Coroners Service. “It’s not enough to talk about safety tips and alarms during the holidays when severe weather often causes people to use alternate sources of heat and energy.

 

            “The proper use of smoke and CO detectors as well as generators is something we should practice year round to ensure not just our personal safety but that of family and neighbours.”

 

            British Columbians are advised to:

 

• Ensure their home is equipped with fully functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries should be changed every six months and tested regularly.

 

• Portable camp stoves, barbeque grills or generators should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided. These devices deplete oxygen and produce large amounts of CO.         

 

• Do not use the oven to heat a room.

 

• Candles are a serious fire hazard and are not recommended as an emergency lighting source. Light sticks, flashlights and flameless battery operated candles are recommended.

 

“It takes the average home under five minutes to become engulfed in flames, said Fire Commissioner David Hodgins. “Far too often, when people lose their lives in a house fire it was because the home did not have a working smoke alarm.”

 

“Death by smoke inhalation occurs within six to eight minutes, high-level CO poisoning in one to three minutes,” added Chief Coroner Terry Smith. “In the case of CO, early warning via a detector is the key to survival.” Smoke inhalation and CO poisoning pose serious health problems in acute and long-term exposure.

 

            There were 15 fatal house fires in B.C. in 2006.

 

The Office of the Fire Commissioner, BC Coroners Service and the Provincial Emergency Program will continue to co-ordinate efforts with partner agencies and municipal government to ensure the public has access to safety information and resources. For additional safety tips and information, visit:

 

Office of the Fire Commissioner: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/firecom

BC Coroner’s Service: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/coroners/index.htm

Provincial Emergency Program (PEP): www.pep.bc.ca/index.html

 

Media contact:	Cindy Rose Public Affairs Officer 250 356-6961
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