On This Page:
- Fire Safety Tips
- Fire Prevention Week
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Smoke Detectors
- Fire Extinguishers
- Barn Fire Prevention
- Wildfires/Forest Fires
- Other Prevention Resources
- Contact us
Fire Safety Tips
Plan Ahead
Prevention is the first and best line of defense against fire. Below you will find a collection of Fire Safety Tips that are designed to help provide you with the means to protect your home and your family.
For more everyday safety tips, visit the Safety Tips web page by clicking here.
Know Your Civic Address – We can’t help you if we can’t find you
In an emergency call 9-1-1. You will need to know your civic/municipal address = street name and property number (ex. 1457 Kilkenny Road or 45 Victoria Street). Is your civic number sign visible from both directions of travel? Is your sign hidden by vegetation/snow/decorations? Ensuring emergency personnel can find your house quickly may save a life!
Escape Plan
No matter where you are, or what type of building you are in, if a fire occurs it’s too late to start developing an escape plan. People need to know how to respond immediately in a variety of situations, and that takes education, planning and practice. An adequate escape plan for a single family home includes:
- Everyone in the household knowing two ways out of every room
- Establishing an outdoor location in front of the house where everyone will meet upon exiting the home; and
- A safe place from which to call 911
- Consider writing a joint plan with your extended family and neighbours to establish several safe alternatives.
- Know your civic address (house number and correct road name)
Student Accommodations
For many young people, attending post secondary school marks the first time they will be living away from home. Please consider your safety by reading Basic Fire Safety Tips for Student Accommodations (opens as a PDF).
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week takes place the second week of October. The Elizabethtown-Kitley Fire Department meets with students in elementary schools throughout the area in order to provide instruction on issues such as fire prevention, fire drills and general fire safety. The Department also participates in public safety displays throughout the year.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Smoke Detectors
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO2) is a real risk within the home as it emits no odour, colour or taste to warn people of its presence. Installing a CO2 Alarm is a great measure to protect yourself and others. CO2 Alarms should be viewed the same way as a smoke detector by undergoing frequent testing to ensure it remains in working order.
Learn more about its common sources and symptoms by clicking to view the infographic here.
Smoke Detectors
Functioning smoke detectors are required on every storey of a home and outside sleeping areas under the Provincial Fire Code (o. Reg. 213/07). Failure to do so may subject you to a fine under the Provincial Offences Act or under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
Change your clocks; Change your batteries.
If, despite observing fire safety rules and practices the unthinkable happens and a fire occurs, a working smoke alarm will greatly increase your chances of survival. Install a new battery at least once a year and if the low battery warning beeps, replace the battery immediately.
Smoke alarms electrically connected to your home’s AC power supply will not work when the power is out unless they have battery back-ups. Find out what type of alarms you have in your home and ensure you are protected by battery operated smoke alarms in the event of a power failure. Test all smoke alarms now.
- Install only approved smoke alarms and replace every 10 years.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. If you sleep with the bedroom door closed, consider installing one in each bedroom as well.
- Because smoke rises, install smoke alarms on the ceiling. If that is not possible, install them as high on the wall as possible.
- Avoid certain locations such as near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows or close to ceiling fans.
- Test your smoke alarm monthly using the alarm test button. Following the owner’s manual, test your alarm annually using smoke from an incense stick or follow manufacturer’s instruction.
- Change the batteries in the spring and fall when you change your clocks.
- Dust can clog a smoke alarm so gently vacuum it with a soft bristle brush every six months.
Fire Extinguishers
The best prevention is preparedness. Here is some helpful information regarding Fire Extinguishers, including maintenance and usage. Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you’ve extinguished the fire.
Extinguishers Have Limits
- The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.
- The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged. This includes routine care as set out within the operator’s manual.
- The extinguisher must be kept near the exit, so the user has an escape route that will not be blocked by fire.
- The extinguisher must match the type of fire you are fighting. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.
- The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds. The larger the number of its rating (i.e. 2-A), the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out. Higher-rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate the extinguisher before you buy.
Class of Fires
There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.
- Class A – Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
WARNING: It is very dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a grease or electrical fire. - Class B – Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.
- Class C – Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.
- Class K – Ideal for kitchen fires as it is effective on cooking mediums like grease, oils, and fats.
WARNING: Never use water on a cooking fire as it will cause the fire the spread.
Many household fire extinguishers are “multipurpose” A-B-C models, labeled for use on all three classes of fire. If you are ever faced with a Class A fire and don’t have an extinguisher with an “A” symbol, don’t hesitate to use one with the “B-C” symbol.
Remember the PASS-word
Keep your back to an exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the four-step PASS procedure. If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once.
P – PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other seals or tamper indicators.
A – AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.
S – SQUEEZE the lever above the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)
S – SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
Barn Fire Prevention
Barn fires can be tragic events for farmers, and the loss of livestock, buildings and equipment can be devastating in many ways. Approximately 40 per cent of all barn fires are caused by faulty electrical systems, which is one of the leading causes of barn fires. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to reducing the risk of a barn fire.
For more information about steps you can take to lessen the risk of a barn fire, please visit OMAFRA’s website here.
Wildfires/Forest Fires
Every year wildfires destroy homes and threaten communities, often with little to no warning. Circumstances such as dry conditions, lightning, or an improperly discarded cigarette can all create a fire which can quickly spread. Click to read “Protecting your Property from Wildfire/Forest Fires” for tips on what steps you can do to better protect your property.
Other Prevention Resources
Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/office-fire-marshal
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs: Public Safety: https://www.oafc.on.ca/public-safety
Sparky (For Kids): http://www.sparky.org/
Contact Us
The Elizabethtown-Kitley Fire Department
Administrative Assistant Holly Dunster
Mail:
Fire Department
6544 New Dublin Rd
RR 2 Addison, ON K0E 1A0
Phone: 613-498-2460
Fax: 613-342-2358
Email: fireadmin@ektwp.ca
Stop By: Station 1 at 44 Main St. Lyn