Fire Prevention Week October 9 to 15, 2022

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. 

For the best protection, use a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.

Get to know your smoke alarms by learning where to install them, how to use them and when to replace them by checking out this brochure and downloading this safety tips sheet. 

Did you know that there are also smoke alarms and alert devices for people who are hard of hearing or deaf? These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed. These work by shaking the pillow or bed when the smoke alarm sounds. These products can be found online and in stores that sell smoke and CO alarms. 

Plan for your abilities!

Make a fire escape plan around your abilities. If you need to use a wheelchair or a cane, make sure you can get to it easily and get out quickly. If you wear hearing aids or eyeglasses, put them next to your bed while you are sleeping. 

Include everyone in home escape planning. Each person should have input about the best ways to escape. Home fire drills are important. Everyone in the home must participate in them. Keep a phone by your bed in case you can’t escape and need to call for help. 

Help everyone in the home stay safe from fire by checking out this action plan about home safety for people with disabilities. 

Different homes 

 It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.

Large apartment buildings are built to keep people safe from fire. Fire alarm systems detect smoke and fire. They will warn residents of the danger. Learn more useful tips on escaping the fire in an apartment building by reading this brochure, and meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features and plans in your building. 

Did you know that high-rise buildings are more likely to have sprinkles and fire alarm equipment than other non-high-rise buildings? Find more valuable information on high-rise apartment & condominium building safety by downloading this information sheet. 

If buying or renting a manufactured home is in your future, make sure you keep fire safety in mind. By following these tips and knowing the facts and the safety requirements for manufactured homes, you can help keep your family safe. 

Two ways out & Clear path 

 Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily. 

If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.

Closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to escape safely.

Get all the facts and learn how closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape by visiting this website.

Meeting place 

 Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbour’s house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) at a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

 Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.

Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way, any member of the household can call from a neighbour’s home or a cellular phone once safely outside.

Practice Your Home Escape 

Practise your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year. 

• Push the test button to sound the smoke alarm 
• The smoke alarm will make a loud noise. You must leave your home. 
• Close all doors behind you when you leave. 
• Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, 
• In some cases, smoke or fire may prevent you from exiting your home or apartment building. To prepare for an emergency like this, practice "sealing yourself in for safety" as part of your home fire escape plan. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in. Call the fire department to report your exact location. Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.
• everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit.
• Get outside fast and stay outside. 
• Go to outside meeting point
• Remember, if the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. 

Thank you for taking the time to check in every day for this year’s Fire Prevention Week to learn about ways to keep you and your family safe.