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Home Fire Safety Tips

In Your Home:

  • Make sure you have proper smoke alarms that work
  • Sleep with bedroom doors closed and make sure everyone can hear the alarms, or consider installing one in the bedroom.  If a fire starts, a closed door can give valuable minutes of protection.
  • Feel the door before opening it.  If it is hot, don't open it!  Use your second escape route.
  • If your door feels cool, open it just a crack to check for smoke.  If there is none, leave by your planned escape route.
  • Remember to crawl low and keep your head down.  Cleaner air is nearer to the ground.
  • When following your escape route, be sure to close doors behind you.
  • If your clothes catch fire, STOP where you are.  DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over top put out the flames.  DO NOT RUN.  Running will only increase the flames.
  • Teach small children never to hide under beds or in closets.  Bring your children to one of our fire stations to see the equipment and protective gear firefighters use, so that they won't be frightened of firefighters during a rescue.
  • Call 9-1-1 when there is an emergency.  If you're not sure, it's better to call than wait.
  • Never re-enter a burning house. 
  • Meet the fire trucks and tell firefighters whether or not everyone is out of the house and accounted for.

Click here for information on safe heating within your home.

If you live in an apartment:

  • Use the stairs.  Never use an elevator when there is a fire.  It could take you to the floor where the fire is burning. 
  • If fire blocks your exit, close your apartment door and cover all cracks around doors and vents where smoke could enter, using wet towels if possible. 
  • Call 9-1-1, even if the firefighters are already at the building, and tell them where you are.  Wave a sheet or towel from an open window and shout for help so firefighters can find you.

Click here for information about what to do if there is a fire in your apartment building. 

Click here for Plan Ahead:  Fire Safety in Apartment Buildings

Click here for important information if you live in an apartment within a house.

Fire Safety In Your Kitchen

Click here for important safety information about kitchen fire safety.

For more information on home escape plans, contact the Chief Fire Prevention Officer by e-mail or by phone at 905-683-4481.