Safety Information & Programs

The Penticton Fire Department offers a number of safety programs to promote public education and help children, adults, business, and industry become more aware of fire and life safety issues, preventative measures, and appropriate emergency responses.

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Safety Information & Programs

Fire and burn injuries are the second leading cause of accidental death in children aged one to four years, and the third leading cause of injury and death for those aged one to eighteen.

Hot water scalds are the leading cause of burns to young children! 

  • Always test young children's bath and sink water before using.  When bathing children, never leave them unattended as they may turn on the hot water or slip in your absence.
  • Be very careful when drinking HOT liquids, especially around children.  At 60 degrees Celsius it takes less than five seconds to get a third degree (full thickness) burn. 

Playing with matches and lighters is one of the leading causes of fire deaths to young children!

  • Matches and lighters are tools for grownup, and not toys to be played with.  Reinforce the concept that like power tools or a knife, the match is a tool with specific uses, such as lighting stove or a candle, or for starting camp fires.
  • It is important to keep all matches and lighters stored high out of the reach of young children.  It reduces the temptation to experiment with fire.  If need be, lock up matches and lighters.

Cooling the burned area will lessen the severity of the injury if the procedure is performed immediately following the burn incident!

  • Children need to know the correct procedure for cooling a burn injury.  Within seconds of a burn injury the burned area should be placed in, or flushed with, cool water.  Keep the burned area in the cool water for 10 to 15 minutes.  Never use ice, ointments or butter.
  • if burned, tell children to immediately seek assistance from an adult.
  • If the burn injury is severe, immediately seek emergency assistance, instruct children how to dial 9-1-1.

On average, every person in this country will experience at least two kitchen fires during their lifetime!

  • Kitchen and appliance safety is important in every household.  Burns received in the kitchen are usually a result of scalds from hot foods or liquids, or contact burns from hot appliances.  More fires start in the kitchen than any other location in the home.
  • Be Kitchen wise.  Wear tight-fitting or short sleeves when cooking.  Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.  Never leave cooking unattended.  If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. Don't cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication.
  • Discuss the dangers around the stove.  Teach children to never touch anything on the stove, or to open the oven. 
  • Children should be supervised while in the kitchen.  Discuss the dangers of climbing on counters or getting too close to hot appliances like the coffee pot, toaster, hot pots and pans and food.
  • Teach and practice STOP, DROP and ROLL!  Whether a child or an adult if clothes catch fire (don't run) STOP where you are, cover your face with your hands (unless your hands are burning), DROP gently to the ground, and ROLL over and over until the fire is out.