THUNDER BAY – LIVING – After nine fire related fatalities in Southwestern Ontario in recent months, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue wants to remind the public to make sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their home and outside all sleeping areas. Thunder Bay Fire Rescue also reminds residents to develop and practice a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home. An investigation into the most recent fire death which occurred this past weekend in Woodstock revealed that the cause was accidental due to an unattended candle. It was also determined that the home had no working smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms provide the early warning that is needed to safely escape a fire,” said Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio. “The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas. Thunder Bay Fire Rescue also recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom.”
Just as important as having working smoke alarms is making sure everyone in your home knows what to do if they hear the alarm. “Every household should have a home fire escape plan. That plan needs to be practiced by everyone that lives in the household,” continued Deputy Chief Hankkio.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms:
- Smoke alarms are required on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Thunder Bay Fire Rescue also recommends installing smoke alarms inside bedrooms.
- CO alarms are required outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
- Test smoke and CO alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
- Smoke and CO alarms wear out over time. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and replace CO alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Home Fire Escape Planning:
- Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
- All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
- Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone else who needs assistance to escape.
- Choose a safe meeting place outside where everyone can be accounted for.
- Once safely outside call 911 from a cell phone or neighbor’s home.
- Practice your home fire escape plan.
- Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
