Staying safe at home through the coronavirus pandemic
There are ways we can promote health and safety in our homes, writes Vaughan Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi
Yorkregion.com
April 17, 2020
Chief Deryn Rizzi
Spring is a time for new beginnings. As the snow melts and trees bud, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation about what the new season will bring. However, this year is different. This year, there is a feeling of uneasiness that has been caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and we are all feeling the effects. But there are ways we can look to the positive side of things and promote health and safety in our homes while we are managing this new way of life.
The City of Vaughan is working closely with regional, provincial and federal governments to find ways to support the community and ensure everyone has up-to-date and accurate information about how to break the chain of transmission and encourage social distancing.
Each of us has a role to play in preventing the spread of the virus. The message is clear -- wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, practise proper coughing etiquette, avoid touching your face and sharing personal items such as eating utensils, water bottles and towels, and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. Practise social distancing and -- other than for trips to the grocery store, pharmacy or to attend essential work -- stay home, even if you are not feeling sick.
School and business closures mean that more of us are at home than normal. Naturally, we are preoccupied with the pandemic and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. As we adjust and create new routines, we must not overlook fire prevention and general safety precautions that will help keep us safe.
Simple measures, including keeping flammable items away from the stove and staying in the kitchen when cooking, are important for fire prevention.
- Before firing up the barbecue, make sure you clean it properly -- removing built-up grease and debris -- check the propane tanks and lines for leaks and always remember to position the grill well away from combustible objects. Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- If you haven’t done so already, change the batteries and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is in a visible, easily accessible place and check the gauge to ensure the yellow arrow is pointing in the green section.
- While the family is home practising social distancing, it is a good time to get everyone involved in home safety -- practise your home escape plan so everyone knows what to do if the fire alarm sounds. Your plan should identify all possible exits from every room, including doors and windows, and a meeting spot outside.
- If spring cleaning is in the plans, use cleaning products as directed. Never mix cleaning agents and keep these items out of the reach of children and pets. Check fuel containers for leaks and make sure any paint, pool and yard chemicals are safely stored; and when finished using any of these substances, follow their instructions for safe disposal.
- Take some time to maintain your appliances. Check and clean filters above the stove and change the furnace filter. With bigger jobs, it is also important to pull out the fridge to vacuum or dust the coils, and move your dryer to check and clean its vent. And, don’t forget to clean the dryer’s lint filter between each load.
These are just some of the many safety precautions that can help keep you and your family safe at home.
It’s also important to stay informed. As the City of Vaughan continues to respond to COVID-19, making citizens aware of the latest developments and precautionary measures is a top priority. To receive the most recent updates and news as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate or visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. For information about city matters, including cancellations, disruptions and postponements, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.
And please remember -- if you are feeling unwell and believe you may have symptoms related to COVID-19, contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19 for more information.
