Traditionally, the long weekend in May is the unofficial start to a long-awaited cottage season. Here are some safety tips to ensure it is safe & happy one. Keep the following: 

• a first aid kit, and familiarize yourself with its contents; 
• a flashlight with spare batteries on hand; 
• a 5 lb. multi-purpose fire extinguisher stored where it's easily accessible.

Install a minimum of one smoke alarm per floor. If there are any fuel burning appliances, a woodstove, or a fireplace, install a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector per sleeping area. Test both your smoke alarm(s) and CO detector(s) monthly. Replace batteries each year. Plan and practice a fire escape plan with your family. Wood burning stoves or fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected annually by a Wood energy Technology Transfer (WETT)-certified inspector.