General Fire Prevention Tips
The best way to stay fire safe is to prevent fires from starting. Here are some tips to help address some of the leading causes of home fires in Ontario.
Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires in Ontario. To prevent cooking fires:
- be alert – do not cook if you:
- are sleepy
- have consumed alcohol, drugs or medicine that makes you drowsy
- always stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn off the stove if you must leave
- keep anything that burns a safe distance from the stove, including:
- oven mitts
- cooking utensils
- dishcloths
- paper towels
- potholders
- keep a proper-fitting pot lid near the stove when cooking so you can slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove if the pot catches fire. Do not move the pot until it has cooled completely
- wear short or tight sleeves or roll sleeves up when cooking, to avoid loose-fitting clothes from catching fire on stove burners
Smoke Alarms
Homeowners
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to install and maintain smoke alarms on every story of their home and outside sleeping areas.
Landlords
It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their rental properties comply with the law.
Tenants
If you are a tenant of a rental property and do not have the required number of smoke alarms, contact your 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 can result in a $360 ticket or fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.
Seasonal Fire Safety
Check cleaning supplies. Look for leaking containers and dispose of what is no longer used or needed at a hazardous waste distribution centre.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace batteries and test.
Visually inspect electrical cords and outlets. Replace cords if worn or damaged. Contact a licensed electrical contractor to check loose-fi tting outlets.
Maintain air conditioner. Make an appointment with a qualifi ed technician to perform safe and proper maintenance work for your specifi c unit.
Clean eaves troughs thoroughly. Use a sturdy and reliable ladder and rubber gloves.
Clean and check BBQ. Clean burner ports and tubes and test for hose leaks with a 50/50 water/soap solution.
Store fuel and other combustibles outside. Keep them in a well-ventilated shed or detached garage and away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
Check recreational equipment. Make sure all playground equipment, bikes, skateboards, etc. are in safe working condition for family use.
Call before you dig. Before starting a garden or outdoor home renovation, contact your local utility to quickly and easily get your underground utility lines marked to avoid pipeline damage.
Get In Touch
317 Brock Street West,
P.O. Box 340
Merrickville, Ontario, K0G 1N0
Phone: 613-269-4000
Fire Chief
Phone: 613-269-4791 Ext. 233
Administrative Assistant, Fire/Operations
Phone: 613-269-4791 Ext. 236