Summer Safety

Drive around the city on a sunny Saturday morning and you’ll see signs dot the power poles indicating “garage sale today.”

It is summer in Saskatchewan and many of us are cleaning out items we no longer need, wonder why we ever bought, the children have out grown, or just simply moving. What ever the item, bargains can be found at any garage sale. As the old saying goes “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Maybe we should be wondering if that man’s junk could be a hazard for me and my family. The Hazardous Products Act is administered by Health Canada. Under the law you cannot import, sell or distribute products that do not meet the requirements of the Hazardous Products Act.

Baby Walkers – are illegal for sale in Canada as of April 2004. Anyone with one of these items should destroy it or discard it so that it can not be used by someone else.

Car Seats – must meet the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard and carry the compliance label stating the height and weight of the child for which the seat is designed. Detailed instructions, all straps and parts, (including the tether strap for forward-facing seats), must be present. Before selling a used car seat, check with Transport Canada (1-800-333-0371 or www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/) to find out if the car seat has been the subject of a recall and follow these recall instructions. Do not sell a seat older than the manufacturer’s recommended date. Seats that are cracked or broken must not be sold. It is important to know the history of any second-hand seat, as it should not be re-used if it has ever been involved in a crash. If you are still concerned about the safety of your seat drop by one of our free child seat clinics.

Battle ready

Predators set to defend title as new PGLL season approaches

29m ago

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

5h ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

6h ago

Protective sports equipment – like hockey helmets and face protectors sold in Canada must meet safety standards set by CSA International. If the CSA sticker is not present discard the product. These items must not be sold if previously subjected to major impact, if older than five years, if showing visible signs of damage, if parts are missing or if subjected to intensive use over two consecutive seasons. The same holds true for bicycle or roller blade helmets. If it has been damaged then it needs to be destroyed.
________________________________________
Warm weather also brings people out to the backyard deck for an evening barbeque. Many of us have already had the first burger of the summer but did we check out the barbeque before using it? Following these simple safety tips can prevent injury to you and your family:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintaining your barbecue.
• Carefully inspect the barbecue, hoses and gas cylinder at least once a year, whenever the equipment has been left unused for a long period, or when you change gas cylinders. Look for the following:
o dirt, grease or bugs that might be blocking the burner tubes. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear the tubes.
o cracked, brittle or leaking hoses. To test for leaks, spray the hose and connectors with a soap-and-water solution and look for bubbles. Never use a lit match to test for leaks. Replace any damaged hoses.
o connectors that are scratched or damaged, which could eventually leak gas. Replace damaged connectors.
o dents, excessive rust, or other damage on the barbecue or the gas cylinder. Repair or replace damaged equipment.

At the lake or in the back yard store propane and other flammable gas cylinders safely: upright and secured to prevent damage. With holidays upon many of us, taken the extra time to make sure your family’s journey to the lake or across the country is safe. Have a wonderful summer full of many memories!