An investigation into a fatal fire in Brampton on Feb. 14 revealed there were no smoke alarms present in the home.
So local fire departments are urging the public to make sure they have working smoke alarms and have practised a fire escape plan with everyone in their home.
“Early detection and warning of a fire in your home is crucial to your survival,” said Guelph-Eramosa deputy fire chief Jim Petrik.
Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11pm and 7am, when most people are asleep, and three out of five home deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
“Our priority is to keep the public safe and informed,” said Centre Wellington Fire Chief Brad Patton.
“Working smoke and (carbon monoxide) CO alarms are mandatory in all homes across Ontario. Not only should these alarms be inspected annually, everyone should know what to do in case a fire happens in your home.”
The fire chiefs recommend residents:
– install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom;
– install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of your home;
– ensure all fuel-burning appliances in your home are inspected annually;
– check all outside appliance vents are not blocked;
– smoke and CO alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations;
– test smoke and CO alarms monthly by pressing the test button; and
– when the warning sounds beep, replace your battery immediately.
Create an escape plan
– Draw a floor plan showing how you and your family would escape a fire in your home and know two exits;
– all exits must be unobstructed and easy to use;
– choose a meeting place outside, where everyone can be accounted for;
– call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home;
– practice your home fire escape plan; and
– once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
Escaping apartments
– Tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance;
– Add your name to the persons who require assistance list in the fire safety plan, so the fire department knows which apartment you are in;
– Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.
– If you are a landlord it is your responsibility to ensure your rental properties have working smoke and CO alarms.
Rental property tenants
– Contact your landlord immediately if your rental property does not have the required number of smoke and CO alarms.
