Summer Fire Safety Tips

Spring & Summer Fire Safety Tips!

In the House

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change batteries immediately if needed. For more information check out our section on smoke alarm maintenance & carbon monoxide detector maintenance.

Check your fire extinguishers. For more information, check our section on fire extinguisher information.

Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords, replace where needed.                                            

Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in case of incidents such as power outages and flooding.

Practice your families fire escape plan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency

Windows should be checked to ensure they open and close properly, in case they are needed as an exit

Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents

Recycle: Get rid of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. These items tend to pile up and can greatly contribute to the severity and spread of fire.

Check and clean filters above stove.

Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils.

Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.

Around the house

Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street. Maintain a clear 'fire zone' of 10' around structures.

Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances for animal nests and to ensure proper wiring.

Keep 100' of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use.

Remove leaves and trash from carports and garages: Combustible materials are dangerous if they are exposed to heated automobile components, especially under the vehicle.

Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals.

Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.

Let power equipment sit for approximately 30 minutes before placing it inside to be sure there is no possibility of fire.

Some municipalities do not allow open air burning. Always check with your local fire department for questions, instructions and permits.

BBQ Tips

All barbeque grills must only be used outdoors — using grills indoors or in enclosed spaces is not only a fire hazard, but it exposes occupants to toxic gasses and potential asphyxiation.

Always position the grill well away from combustible objects — buildings, fences, deck railings and landscaping can easily and quickly ignite.

Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.

Never leave a lit grill unattended.

Always use long handled grilling utensils and heat resistant oven mitts to avoid exposure burns from heat and flames.

Periodically remove grease build-up in catch trays to prevent it from igniting.

Keep a garden hose nearby, connected and ready for use in case of a fire.

• Do not allow children to get near fireworks, stoves, or grills. Make sure that all flammable and combustible materials are out of their reach. Never allow them to play with matches, candles, or lighters.
• Bring a fire extinguisher or fire blanket to your outdoor trip. This way, you can easily extinguish fire before it grows out of hand. Fire accidents can happen anytime and it always pays to be prepared.
• Before you use a grill, check first the connection between the propane tank and fuel line to see if this is not blocked. See to it that you do not overfill the propane tank.
• Douse hot coals with plenty of water before disposing of them. Never put them inside plastic, paper or wooden trash bins or containers.
• During picnics or camping trips, avoid building campfires. If you do build one, make sure you keep it small and that you douse it with water to put it out completely. Never leave the camping area without putting out the campfire. Check with your local fire department, municipality or Ministry of Natural Resource to ensure there is not a fire ban in effect.
• Inspect fire equipment at home. Ensure your fire extinguisher is in top condition. If you see anything suspicious like a leak in the nozzle, have it repaired or checked by a professional immediately.
• Double check plugs and switches at home before you leave. If you are going on a trip or picnic at be sure that everything is unplugged and turned off before you leave the house.
• Formulate an escape route for the house or cottage. Practice fire drills regularly at least twice a year. Leave emergency numbers near the telephone.
• Use barbecue grills away from the house, from the tent, or from anything that can easily catch fire.
• When checking in at a hotel, B&B, motel or renting a seasonal property, do not forget to consider the fire safety of the place. Examine if there are fire exits, firefighting equipment, working smoke detectors and clear signage of the escape route.
• When using a lawnmower, never fuel it while it is still hot. Give it a few minutes to cool down.
• If outside and your clothes catch fire, use the STOP, DROP and ROLL method. Use a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire that is not yet spreading. Call the fire department immediately

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