As people prepare for summer, some may be heading out to their cabin or cottage to get ready for the camping season and the Moose Jaw Fire Department wants to warn people of the potential hazards that may greet you, once you arrive at your second home.

Cathie Bassett, the Education Program Officer for the fire department, shared a few tips for fire safety.

Making sure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly is the top of the list.

She said, "Number one I think in all cases, whether its out at your cottage or in your home, we want to encourage people to make sure that their smoke alarms are in place and they are working.  Smoke alarms save lives."

Also, inspect barbecues for anything that might be out of the usual, or dangerous obstructions.

"We have actually had people who have had mouse nests over the winter inside their bbqs. You know, old grease, things like that, you haven't burnt anything off for the whole winter.  You want to make sure that everything is in working order, all your lines are clean, and everything is working properly," Basset said.

She also noted that it's safer to put tobacco products in a jar with water to make sure they're properly exstinguished instead of throwing butts on the ground, and to pay special attention when enjoying alcoholic beverages.

She warns,"When you have a few drinks under your belt and you're not totally cognitive of what you are doing and you may have tobacco products involved with that as well, and people don't always take note of their surroundings and do what they are supposed to do."