Working Smoke Detectors Will Save Your Family in a Fire
SHUNIAH – In light of several residential fires in Ontario that have resulted in eight deaths since January 1st, Shuniah Fire & Emergency Services wants to remind the public to make sure that they have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas, and have practiced a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.
While it has not been determined if there were working smoke alarms in the Brighton fire, there were two residential fires that caused five deaths where there were no working smoke alarms.
Fire and smoke move so fast that you may have less than 60 seconds to safely escape a fire, so early warning and a preplanned escape is crucial to survival. Only working smoke alarms give you that early warning and a practiced fire escape plan ensures everyone in your home can get out quickly.
We need your help to ensure these types of tragedies do not happen in our region. We encourage you to talk with friends and family to ensure they are prepared and to contact us if you need help with your alarms or setting up an escape plan.
Simple smoke 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. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms.
- 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. Change the batteries every year.
- 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 a home fire escape plan with your household that takes into account their 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 a neighbour’s home.
- Practice your home fire escape plan.
- Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
