THE CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER

> A REAL BENCHMARK

If you would like to commemorate a special person or occasion in a unique way, you might
want to consider the City of North Vancouver's Park Bench Dedication Program. For a
tax-deductible donation of $1,159, you can purchase a bench and commemorative plaque
for any of the City’s parks or cemeteries.

' Designed to withstand many years of wear and tear, the benches are constructed from
farmed tropical wood and solid steel, making them extrernely durable. A solid brase plaque
’ accommodates a 50-letter message and is especially cast for each donor.

To participate in this program all you have to do is fill in an application and include a
cheque with your proposed wording and preferred two bench locations. The City will then
work with you to pick a spot that is mutually agreeable, including areas “off the beaten
track.” Both the bench and commemorative plaque are maintained by the City for the life
of the bench. For more icformation, conisct Bill Granger, Manager, Parks and
Environment at 985-7761, extension 335.

> FIRE DEPARTMENT - BURNING ISSUES!

..We changed our name! The North Vancouver City Fire
Department is now North Vancouver City Fire and
Rescue in order to reflect the service we provide our
community. Here’s a quick update!

Today’s firefighters face fires that are deadlier

than ever because of man-made building producte “==

that create toxic gases. So, our firefighters

constantly train in hazardous materials and dangerous goods.

-If there ie an industrial accident, we are there to help! For years, firefightera have also
been involved in rescue missions. Besides motor vehicle accidents, today’s firefighters also
train to rescue people from high places (like crane operators and window washers) and
confined spaces (like sewer and gas workers.) Being a port city, we alao fight fires on the
water with our Fireboat Number Two.

FIRE INVESTIGATIONS .

Ever wonder how faulty coffee makers get re-called? Our fire inspectors investigate the
‘origin and causes of every fire and then record it with the Provincial Fire Reporting
System. That way, corrective action is taken to prevent future lose of life and property.

FIRE PREVENTION SERVICES

Did you know that we work with the building inspector and inspect buildings even before
they are built? Owners and architects work with us to review their plans for compliance
with the BC Building Code and BC Fire Code Requirements. And when the buildings are
ready for occupancy, we witness the practical testing of everything from the sprinkler
system to making sure the floor labels inside the elevator are the same as the floor labels
outside! Little details like those make a big difference in fire emergencies.

Our fire fighters will also come out to your workplace for a fire safety workshop. Another
interesting area is our new Juvenile Fire Setter Program. It is designed to reach out to
families whose kids have been involved with fire. If you would like more information please
contact Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Dave Burgess at 980-5021.

"City of.North Vancouver: 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver BC V7M 1H9.

E w Ss

D> HAVE AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a time of Cheer
For all the people we hold dear.
With fir trees strewn with blinking lights
We do not need scary sights
Of fire engines racing to the scene
With sirens wailing all « scream.
The white ambulance is standing by
Crowding neighbors out loud sigh
What was the cause of this latest fire
Someone overloaded a poorly installed wire
Or plugged too many lights into a frayed cord
Didn't they ever get the word
That a safe installation all can say
will allow their children to enjoy Christmas Day

After being at the scene recently of an electrical fire caused by ;
poorly installed wiring I want to remind everyone this Christmas
that 30% of Electrical Fires are caused by extension cords.

© Overloaded, frayed or otherwise poorly maintained cords.
© Or extension cords being used in place of permanent wiring.

© Improperly used they are both a Fire and Electrical Safety
Hazard. ; ;
At this time of year many people bring out those old cords to plug
in their Christmas tights without a thought as to whether it is a safe
installation. :

The Canadian Electrical Code states that fiexible cord
(extension cords) shall not be used as a substitute for fixed wiring,
secured to any structural member, run through holes in walls,
ceilings, floors ete; or run through doorways, windows or similar
openings and are only for temporary use for electrical equipment
for household or similar use which is intended to be moved from
place to place. ;

In essence you plug them in, operate the equipment, then unplug
them, coil tiem up and put them away. ;

The problem is everyone thinks because they are sold they can be
used for any electrical purpose. Why seli them otherwise?

Like everything, an extension cord has a specific use and when
used for other than it’s specific use, can be hazardous. A heavy
duty extension cord is normally rated at 15 amps, the white or
brown cords which many use to plug in their Christmas lights are
often rated 10 amps and when overloaded act like an electric
heater. They will often not have sufficient current carrying capacity
to cause the breaker to trip when they are overloaded.

If the jacket is frayed, or insulation cut, exposing bare wires, do
not use it. If the extension cord comes with a grounding pin...
Never ever cut it off.

If a piece of electrical equipment has a grounding pin on the plug,
never ever connect it to a cord without one. You place yourself and
others at risk when you do this.

We recommend using a power bar which has overcurrent protection
in place of extension cords, especially where there is more than
one item being connected.

On behalf of the Electrical Inspectors of the City of North
Vancouver we wish you an electrically Safe Christmas.

Phone!:985:7761 Fax: 985-9417 ‘Web site: wivw.cnv.org &