Is your home safe from fire?

April 10, 2013 · 0 Comments

Caledon Fire and Emergency Services would like to share important fire safety information with all residents of town.
“Being aware of the proper safety guidelines around the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms may save your life,” said Fire Chief Terry Irwin. “Home escape planning and practice during non-emergencies is an important part of ensuring safety in our communities. We want all families to be protected and safe, year-round.”
Smoke alarms — What you need to know
“You may have just seconds to safely escape a fire in your home, and that’s why early detection of fire is absolutely vital,” said Chief Fire Prevention Officer Mark Wallace.
He has issued a reminder of the following information:
• Only working smoke alarms provide those precious seconds families need to safely escape. Test smoke alarms monthly.
• It’s the law that every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
• Homeowners: It is the responsibility of homeowners to install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside sleeping areas.
• Landlords: It is the responsibility of landlords to ensure their rental properties comply with the law.
• Tenants: Tenant of a rental properties that do not have the required number of smoke alarms should contact their landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way.
Failure to comply with the Fire Code Smoke Alarm requirements could result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.
Be prepared
Plan and practice
your escape
Working smoke alarms will alert people to a fire in their home, but to safely escape everyone must know what to do when the alarm sounds. In a fire, every second counts. It is critical to have a fire escape plan in place and to practice it.
Wallace said the following exercises will help families develop a plan that will allow everyone to safely escape:
• Walk through each room of the home with everyone in the family. Look at all the possible exits and discuss how each one can be used in a fire emergency. For example, windows are only a practical alternative if they can be easily opened and safely exited.
• Discuss the actions each person will take when the smoke alarm sounds. Consider who will be responsible for young children or other persons who may require assistance.
• Young children should understand that they must never hide if there is a fire. They should be told they must yell loudly so adults know where they are, or go to a parent’s or caregiver’s room, if it is nearby and safe to do so.
• Establish a meeting place outside the home where everyone can assemble. This will help to prevent undue concern and confusion. Once outside, stay outside. Never re-enter a burning building.
• After everyone is safely out of the building, call 9-1-1 from a neighbour’s home or cell phone.
Caledon residents are encouraged to download a Home Escape Plan Template from the Town website at www.caledon.ca/fireprevention