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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, February 18, 2016 | 8 How to detect electrical hazards topic of upcoming talk by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Area residents are invited to learn important tips to keep their families safe during an upcoming talk on home electrical systems. The Birnie CurrentSAFE team and the Oakville Fire Department will hold the event Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Oakville Central Library, 120 Navy St., from 7-8:30 p.m. The Oakville Fire Department's Public Education Officer Glenn Barwell will lead the talk. He says the presentation is worth listening to, especially given electrical issues appear to be behind the last two major fires in Oakville. A Feb. 3 garage fire on Upper Valley Crescent caused around $600,000 worth of damage to the home and two vehicles. A Feb. 6 townhouse fire on Switchgrass Street led to $100,000 worth of damage. In that case the tenants were just a week away from moving in. "We do respond to a lot of fires that are electrical," said Barwell. "People, when they are doing electrical work, need to think about the risks associated with unsafe electrical installations. They should be contacting a licensed electrical contractor and make sure they have an electrical permit." Barwell also called on residents not to ignore the warning signs of a faulty or degraded electrical system, which could include: flickering lights, breakers that are always tripping, regularly blowing fuses, a burning smell in a certain room, discoloured wall outlets; outlets that spark or outlets or switches that are hot to the touch. "These are warning signs and if you have these warning signs, you should really hire an electrician to look into them because the more you ignore them, the greater the risk becomes," said Barwell. Barwell also emphasized the electrical work is not a "do-it-yourself" project, stating anyone who tries this without proper training could create a fire hazard or even electrocute themselves to death. Those who attend the Feb. 23 event will hear experts discuss how to detect electrical hazards before they become electrical dangers as well as what residents can do to ensure their homes are safe. "Many homeowners don't realize they may be at risk from hidden electrical hazards as their homes age," said Tim Birnie, president of Birnie CurrentSAFE, a Mississauga-based electrical contractor. "We know from experience that electrical systems in older homes are deteriorating and may pose a safety risk. For instance, we have found that nine out of 10 homes lack functioning GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. This is a serious electrocution hazard." The talk will feature presentations from Frank Cohn, three-time Contractor of the Year and host of The Home Improvement Show on Newtalk 1010, and John Romanett, a senior electrical solutions educator with Birnie CurrentSAFE. The first 25 attendees to pre-register will receive a free carbon monoxide alarm at the event. Attendees can pre-register online at ismyhomesafe.ca or by calling 1-855-569-1818. MONDAY TO FRIDAY 7AM TO 3PM Upon purchase of a meal valued at $12 or more before tax, receive the second one at half price. Promotions are valid upon presentation of this coupon only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. One coupon per client, per visit. Not valid on the Early Bird and Table d'Hôte menus, and holidays. Valid from Monday to Friday at Ben & Florentine Oakville. Expiration date: March 4th, 2016 ½ PRICE BOGO 50% OFF PREPACKED MILK & DARK CHOCOLATE ASSORTMENTS S Sensational ensational C Chocolates, hocolates, H Handmade andmade L Locally ocally 1011 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville · 289-291-0147 www.walkerschocolates.ca 146 Lakeshore Rd. W. 905.338.6333 OAKVILLE oakville.ca The Town of Oakville thanks... · The thousands of residents who enjoyed an exciting, fun and active Family Day! · The hundreds of dedicated staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm, time and energy · Our sponsors and partners of Make Your Move Family Day for their generous support Money was raised on Family Day for the Town of Oakville RecConnect fund. This fund helps children in need participate in recreation programs. Make Your Move Oakville encourages everyone to Make their Move by enjoying the many benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle. Visit oakville.ca to discover more ways to keep active and have fun. Tell us what you think! Lakeshore Road Reconstruction and Streetscape Project After hearing from you through the Downtown Transportation Study, the town chose a contemporary theme for the downtown streetscape design. Now it's time to choose the actual materials and furnishings. This is an important step in the street design process and we want to hear from you. Join us on Tuesday, March 1 Public Meeting 6 ­ 8 p.m. South Atrium, Town Hall We'd like to get your opinion on two contemporary design palettes. Some sample streetscape materials and furnishings such as pavers, benches, bike rings, recycling stations, and lights will be on display for viewing and comment. These materials will also be used going forward as other streets in Downtown Oakville are reconstructed. Can't make this meeting? View and comment online Starting February 24, visit our online photo library and tell us what you think at oakville.ca. Online feedback open until March 18, 2016.