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Give Your Space Heater some...Space!
The leading factor contributing to space heater fires in general was heating equipment too close to things that can burn. Heating equipment continues to be the second leading cause of home fires behind cooking and the second leading cause of home fire deaths behind smoking. Give your space heater some space and practice the following simple safety hints.
Heating
- All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 1 meter away from heating equipment.
- Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. In Canada an example is ULC (Underwriters Laboratory of Canada).
- Never use your oven for heating.
- Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment, according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
Portable electric space heaters
- Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Use and purchase portable space heaters with an automatic shut off so if they're tipped over they will shut off.
- Place space heater on solid, flat surface.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.
Wood burning stoves
- Wood burning appliances are required to be installed under a building permit in Ontario.
- In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
- Start the fire with newspaper or kindling, never with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
- Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
- Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate with water.
- Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year.
What is Your Home Escape Plan?
If a fire occurred in your home today, would your family be prepared? Could you get out safely? Everyone must know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds. Take a few minutes with everyone in your household to make a Home Fire Escape Plan.
Families are encouraged to use How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan (PDF 1.13 MB) and Fire Safety Checklist (PDF 5.38 MB) to learn more about home escape planning and how to keep their homes safe from fire.
Keep it simple and easy to understand for the entire family to practice!
Kids are also invited to visit Sparky the Fire Dog for some FUN activities.
Can emergency services find you when you need them?
Emergency services can only help you if they can find you. To ensure that happens, a number must be posted on every building. The numbers must be:
- Plain, legible and at least 12.5 cm (five inches) high
- Located at the main entrance or on the building side facing the roadway
- Legible from the roadway
- On individual apartments, indicating each apartment number
Help us find you when you need us most!
For more information, view the Numbering Your Home By-law.
Seniors Safety
When it comes to fire, adults over age 65 are at greater risk than any other group. As most fire deaths occur in the home, it is important that older people know how to protect themselves. If you have a friend or relative in this vulnerable group, click here to complete a fire safety check of your home.
People with Disabilities
People with disabilities face unique challenges during a fire. Contact an Orillia Fire Prevention Officer to discuss those challenges.
PLEASE, for your family's sake...CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS! Your lives may depend on it!
Remember that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (CO) are required in every home in Ontario. Find more on home early warning systems here.
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