October - Fire Safety & Breast Cancer Awareness month ( Giveaway)

My son loves to pretend to be a firefighter and that constantly keeps me reminded of fire safety. He sure thinks that it is so cool to operate a fire truck. But I often tell him what makes fire fighters our rescue heroes. October is not only Breast Cancer Awareness month but it also Fire Safety Awareness month. Both are destructive and prevention is definitely better than cure.

What can we do to spread awareness? Support organisations that promotes awareness and most importantly, spread awareness within your family. 

According to Fire Prevention Canada, eight Canadians die every week from fires, with 

residential fires accounting for 73 per cent of these fatalities. Sadly, many of these deaths could  be prevented with proper placement and replacement of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. 

Home Safety Tips

• Smoke alarms wear out and should be replaced every 10 years as per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). 
• The number one complaint about smoke alarms is that it can be difficult to change the battery—purchase one that has an easy access battery door so it never has to be removed from the ceiling. 
• Fire extinguishers are often your first line of defense in a residential fire. Keep at least one extinguisher on every level of your home—especially in the kitchen—and ensure every member of the family knows how to use them. 
• Carbon Monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless—it is a silent killer. Ensure a detector is installed on every level of your home and if the alarm goes off, get out of the house immediately. 
• Review a fire escape plan for your family.  Walk through exit paths and decide on a place to meet outside—then practice it.

Now, for the first time, Canadians can make their homes safer and contribute to the fight 

against breast cancer.  First Alert has developed a line of Canadian Breast Cancer Fire Safety  products: two smoke alarms, a carbon monoxide alarm and a kitchen fire extinguisher. For each product sold, First Alert will donate $1 to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Proceeds from First Alert pink ribbon products will support the Canadian Breast Cancer 

Foundation as it invests in research and community projects to improve and save the lives of  Canadians at risk of breast cancer and those living with the disease.

More food for thought on reducing the risks of breast cancer ( source: Parenting Weekly):

So although there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer there are some things you can do now that may help reduce your risk:

• Reduce fat in your diet. Fat should not exceed 30 percent of the total calories you eat daily. Trans fatty acids found in some margarine, snack foods and bakery goods may be especially harmful.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Eat plant-based oils such as those found in olive oils and soybean oils. Soybeans also contain isoflavones (weak estrogens) that may help block estrogen receptors and lower estrogen levels and cell growth that may lead to breast cancer.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. One glass of beer a day can increase your risk by 10 percent because estrogen levels increase in response to alcohol.
• Exercise at least four hours a week. Physical activity can also lower estrogen levels.

Early detection strategies include : Self Breast Exam, Clinical Breast Exam & Mammography.

About First Alert

First Alert is the leading manufacturer of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, 

combination alarms, fire extinguishers, safes, security camera and much more.  It is the most trusted, recognized safety brand in Canada and has protected families and what matters most for over 50 years. First Alert products are defined by their quality and reliability and meet all industry standards set by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) and Extract, Transform, Load Process (ETL). In Canada, First Alert is marketed by Jarden Branded Consumables.

Thanks to Fire Alert, we are able to offer 3 Pink Ribbon Smoke Alarms to 3 lucky Canadian readers!