SERVICES > Fire Department > Fire Prevention

1.             Install and maintain Smoke Alarms

We have posted an information sheet on smoke detectors requirements in rental properties to answer the many questions renters and landlords may have.

Smoke alarms warn you of a fire in time to let you escape.

Install smoke alarms on each level of your home and outside each sleeping area.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and test at least once a week.

Replace weak or "dead" batteries immediately and don't ever borrow them for other uses!

Remember, if your smoke alarms are hardwired they will not function during a power failure - consider installing a backup battery powered smoke alarm as an additional asset to your home

2.             Plan and practice to escape using Fire Escape Plans

If fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast.

Ensure you have two ways out of every room.  Practice this escape plan with your entire family.  In event of fire, one exit may be blocked by flames or smoke!  Choose a meeting place outside where everyone will gather, and can be safe.

At least twice a year, have the entire family practice the escape plan.

If you live in a multi-story building, do not use elevators in the event of fire.

3.             Space heaters need space

Keep portable space heaters at least 1 meter (3 feet) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding or anything else that may burn.

Never leave heaters on when you leave the house or go to bed, and keep children well away from them.

4.             Smokers need watchers

Numerous home fires are caused each year by carelessly discarded cigarettes.

Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers in your home, and put water on the butts before throwing them in the trash.

Before going to bed, check under and around sofa cushions for smoldering cigarettes.

Never smoke in bed!

Never smoke when you are drowsy!

5.             Exercise Caution when cooking

Be alert when you cook, and keep children out of the way.

Keep your pots' handles turned inward so they won't be knocked over the edge of the stove.

If cooking oil catches fire, slide a close-fitting lid over the pan to smother the flames, and then turn the burner off.

6.             Matches and Lighters are tools for adults

In the hands of a child, matches or lighters are extremely dangerous.

Always store them where children cannot reach them.

Teach your children that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for kids.

7.             Use electricity safely

If an appliance smokes or smells like it is burning, unplug it immediately and have it repaired.

Check all of your electrical cords and replace any that are cracked or frayed.

If you use extension cords, don't overload them or run them under rugs or carpets.

Remember that fuses and circuit breakers protect you from fires; don't tamper with the fuse box or use fuses of improper size.

8.             Cool a burn

If someone gets burned, immediately run cool water over the wound for five to ten minutes to ease the pain.

If the burn is blistered or charred, see a doctor immediately.

9.             Stop, Drop and Roll

Even young children know this rule:  If your clothes catch fire, don't run!

Stop where you are,

Drop gently to the ground,

Cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs,

Roll over and over to smother the flames.

10.          Crawl Low Under Smoke

If you get caught in smoke, the cleanest air will be near the floor.  Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest safe exit.

11.          Power failures

In the event of power failure do not use open flames or charcoal grill indoors.

Do not use gas-fuelled appliances as alternative heating sources indoors.

If you plan to use a portable generator, connect household items directly to the generator.  Unless you have it wired professionally - do not hook the generator up to your home's electrical system.

Be sure the generator is kept in a well ventilated area (outside).

Do not put a gasoline powered generator anywhere in your home.

Examine your smoke alarms now - remember, if your alarms are hardwired they will not function during a power failure - consider installing a backup battery powered smoke alarm as an additional asset to your home.

Remember, by planning ahead, there's a lot you can do to prevent a fire but once a fire starts in your home:

Get Out, and Stay Out

Call the Fire Department from a neighbour's home.

Don't go back into a burning building.

If you think someone is trapped inside, tell the fire fighters when they arrive.