But as with primary homes, cottages require regular upkeep to protect against hazards, and fire safety is especially a key issue at the cottage. However, owners taking a few simple precautions will go a long way in protecting their family and cottage.

According to the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), first and foremost, it is extremely important that owners maintain fuse boxes, heaters, wiring, stove and other possible heat sources as they would in their primary homes. Test smoke alarms and ensure long-lasting batteries, such as new Advanced Performance Duracell® CopperTop® batteries, are used for protection all summer long.

Fire pits and campfires should be built where the fire will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves and low-hanging trees. Never leave open fires unattended, including barbecues, and supervise kids at all times. Watch out for flying sparks that could set fire to areas close to the cottage and be especially cautious with fireworks around kids.

Around the exterior of the cottage, a basic precaution is to keep grass cut and raked. Dry grass and debris can also collect under open porches, decks and floors, so it is important to keep these areas covered. In addition, stack firewood well away from the cottage.

By taking these simple precautions, cottage owners will go a long way to ensuring they don't lose their homes away from home to fire.

To learn more about summer fire safety, join Duracell Canada and the CAFC for the Duracell Fire Safety Drive. Starting in June, parents are encouraged to bring their children to participating retail outlets to learn more about the dangers of fire and how to adopt a new and improved fire safety and escape plan for their homes. Visit www.duracell.com/firesafety for details about an event near you.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.