Kincardine Fire Department pushes for improved fire safety in homes

In the wake of a fatal fire in Brampton Feb. 14, Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services and the Ontario Fire Marshall remind people to make sure they have working smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas, and have practised a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.

Kincardine fire prevention officer Shane Watson (above) urges the proper installation of smoke alarms in your home.

The blaze in Brampton, which killed three residents and injured a child, is being investigated by the Ontario Fire Marshall. It has not yet been determined if there were working smoke alarms in that fatal fire.

“Many fatal fires occur at night when everyone is asleep, so early warning is crucial to survival,” says fire chief Kent Padfield. “The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, our fire department is recommending that you also install a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms.”

Just as important as having working smoke alarms, is making sure everyone in your home knows what to do to escape before a fire occurs.

“Many fire deaths can be eliminated by ensuring your house is fire safe,” says Padfield.

Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm tips:
 

• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Install carbon monoxide 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 according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Simple steps for home fire escape planning include:
 

• Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
• All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
• If someone in your home has a disability, develop an escape plan with your household that takes into account these unique needs. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone who needs assistance to escape.
• Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
• Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
• Practise your home fire escape plan.
• Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.

For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:
 

• Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance.
• Make sure your name is added to the list of people who require assistance 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.