March has arrived, and that means changing weather patterns, melting ice and snow and wildfire season in Alberta.

 Deputy Chief with the Airdrie Fire Department Garth Rabel says that March can bring flooding issues if locals are not clearing their waterways.

"As we're moving into March and closer and closer to spring, for the citizens and residents of our city, it's really important now, with the warmth and the cold, that you ensure that you manage the snow loads around your residences so we don't get any flooding or any issues with water getting into our basements. Just make sure that you've got good drainage, that you're keeping that snow away from your foundation so as we move into warmer weather that doesn't become an issue."

As well as flooding risks, Rabel says the natural ice surfaces in Airdrie could become a risk.

"With the warmer weather we're having and with (...) folks wanting to take advantage of that and go down to our natural waterways and share recreation down there, ice conditions can change rapidly. Our recommendation is that you avoid those waterways and that you use the recreational outdoor rinks that have been built and set up for you."

Rabel says the easiest way to protect your family is to make sure all detectors have a fully-operational battery and are in the right location.

"Ensure smoke alarms and CO detectors in your home are tested and working in order to protect your family."

"Carbon monoxide is something our furnaces continue to (produce) when they kick in and kick out. So, carbon monoxide on every level of the home where people sleep within 3-5 metres of closed bedroom doors, that's where you're most venerable, and that's when we need these wonderful detectors to be standing guard for us in order to keep us safe."

Rabel says that March brings about a higher chance for wildfires.

"March 1st is typically when the province of Alberta designates it as Wildland Fire Season Awareness. Conditions are good for us right now, we do have snow cover. But, again, as we start to move into the spring, those are considerations as well for outdoor fire safety, fire pits and cigarettes out the windows. Those are all important."

As always, Rabel reminds locals to avoid improper disposal of cigarettes and other smoking material.

"We do want to promote safe disposal of smoking material. If you are smoking outside on the deck or on the patio, then ensure that you have a non-combustible container (like) a can with water or sand so each and every time you properly dispose of your smoking materials. Also, do not throw cigarettes out the windows of moving vehicles. We see that far too often and that's just a very dangerous practice."

 

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