Fire Safety in the Home

 Home Escape Planning

Does everyone in your family know what to do should an alarm sound?  Every time a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds there is something wrong.  Your device may be telling you that its batteries are low, or it is dirty, possibly near the end of its life.  What if it is smoke?  Work with your family to plan an escape.  Make sure everyone knows what actions must be taken to get everyone out.

Why stop at home?.  Your work place is another great spot to have an escape plan.  The principles are the same no matter where you are.  Know multiple ways out, have a preplanned meeting place, account for everyone and always remember to contact emergency services 9-1-1.

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.

PLEASE, for your families 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.

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.

Common fire scenarios involving adults 65 years and older:

• People smoking in their living area or bedroom while sleepy. Burning cigarettes or ashes ignite furniture/bedding or clothing.
• People reaching over a hot burner on the stove and igniting clothing.

Make sure a fire never starts by following these simple tips:

• If you smoke use large, deep ashtrays. If anyone in the home smokes, smoke outside. Never smoke in bed.
• Don't reach for danger! Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don't reach over a hot burner. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
• Always blow out candles before leaving the room.  Better yet replace with battery operated candles.
• Ensure items that can burn are one metre away from space heaters.
• Avoid overloading the electrical outlets. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection.
• Avoid running cords under rugs, which can damage the cord and cause a fire.
• Install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the battery once a year, or whenever the low-battery warning sounds.
• Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan and practice your escape! Develop a home fire escape plan or refer to your building's fire safety plan.

People with Disabilities

People with disabilities face unique challenges during a fire. Contact an Orillia Fire Prevention Officer to discuss those challenges.

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