Prevention and Education
Amherstburg Fire Services is concerned for our residents' safety. Mandatory inspections ensure that buildings adhere to the Fire Code, and education programs teach the public about fire safety.
We teach firefighters and the public about fire prevention and safety so that the municipality has fewer fire-related personal and property losses. Farm buildings do not fall under the Fire Code, and farmers need to ensure that their farms are as fire-safe as possible.
In Case of Fire in Your Home
Make a family fire escape plan and keep your escape routes free of obstructions. Practice this plan often, and keep these pointers in mind; they will tell you pointers from those who know what it takes to get out alive:
- Stay calm.
- Sound a warning.
- If you awaken to a smoke-filled room, crawl below the smoke to safety.
- Check the doors to see if they are warm. A warm door may mean that there is a fire on the other side. Use an alternate exit, if possible.
- Get everyone out; wrap children in blankets if necessary-don't take time to get dressed.
- Close the doors behind you as you evacuate. This will slow down the fire.
- If it is safe to do so, turn off all appliances as you leave.
- If your hair or clothing should catch on fire, smother the flames with a towel, blanket or other thick material, or stop, drop and roll out the flames. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Call Amherstburg Fire Services from a safe location. Do not delay.
Home-Safety Tips
- Check your smoke alarm regularly and replace the battery as necessary.
- Avoid careless smoking. Use ashtrays and never smoke in bed
- Avoid unsafe cooking practices. Use caution when frying and keep a lid close by to cover a pot of hot grease in case it catches fire.
- Avoid storing unnecessary flammable liquids in your home or attached garage. Never store propane cylinders in your home or attached garage.
- Do not use unsafe electrical appliances. Discard frayed extension cords and do not use them as permanent wiring. Do not overload circuits.
- Twice a year, tighten fuses in the panel or check circuit breakers for free operation.
- Ensure that your wood-stove and chimney are safely installed and maintained.
- Clean-up your basement, garage, yard and other storage areas twice a year.
If you cannot extinguish a small fire with your portable fire extinguisher or if the smoke is hazardous, leave the area at once. Never place yourself or others in jeopardy by attempting to extinguish a fire. Close the door to confine the fire. Alert the other occupants and call 9-1-1 from a safe place. Finally, wait outside for firefighters to arrive.
Fire-escape Planning
A home fire-escape plan may save your family's life.
Developing a fire-escape plan
- Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home. Test them regularly.
- Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room. Plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room.
- Ensure that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke alarm or hear someone shout "fire," they should evacuate immediately.
- Decide on a meeting place. Someone should phone the fire department (9-1-1).
- Meet the firefighters when they arrive, so they know that you are safe.
- Make certain that everyone in your home knows not to re-enter a burning building. Firefighters are properly equipped and trained to perform rescue operations-you are not.
Practice your escape plan
Regular practice is the best way to help prevent panic when an actual emergency occurs. Be sure that every member of the family knows what to do.
Additional information:
- A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm usually provides enough warning to enable you to leave your home safely.
- Before opening any door, feel it. Do not open a hot door. Use an alternate exit instead. If you can't climb out of a window, shout from it.
- Smoke and heat rise; breathable cool air stays low down. Practice your escape plan by crawling on your hands and knees.
- If you live in an apartment building, your escape plan should take the building-management procedures into account.
- If there is anyone in your home who needs help to evacuate, assign someone to assist.
- Make sure your babysitter understands your fire-escape plan.
Highrise Fires
If you discover a fire...
- Leave the area.
- Close all the doors as you exit.
- Sound the fire alarm.
- Telephone 9-1-1 from an area of safety.
- Use a safe exit stairwell – not the elevators.
Upon hearing the fire alarm...
- Turn off all appliances.
- Feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, remain in your unit and call 9-1-1. If the door is not hot, leave the building via the nearest exit and close all the doors behind you.
- If the smoke is heavy in the corridor, it may be safer to remain in your area. Close the door and place a wet towel at its base.
- If the stairway is full of smoke, use an alternate exit. If all stairways are also full of smoke, it may be safer to stay in your area.
- Make sure you take your room key, in case you are forced to return to your unit.
Know your building
- You should know the location of exits and fire-alarm pull stations--this knowledge may save your life.
- Make a simple floor plan showing two exits. Walk the distance and actually count the number of steps to these exits.
- Make your family fire escape plan now. Have a family meeting to discuss the plan and the fire-safety information on this page.
- In an emergency, hallway and exit lighting may be out. Make sure that you can follow your escape plan in the dark.
- Conduct regular fire drills with your family and participate in those conducted by your building's management.
The Ontario Fire Code dictates that:
- all exits are to be free of any obstructions,
- all exit doors are to be kept closed, and
- that you must report any fire safety violations to the superintendent immediately.
Residents are advised:
- not to put burning materials such as cigarettes and ashes into the garbage chute;
- not to dispose of flammable liquids or aerosol cans in the chutes;
- not to force cartons, coat hangers or bundles of paper into the garbage chutes;
- to cook safely;
- to use only safe electrical appliances. Do not overload outlets;
- to discard frayed extension cords. Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring; and
- to avoid careless smoking-use ashtrays and never smoke in bed
Don't forget...
Never endanger yourself or others by attempting to extinguish a fire. If you cannot extinguish the small fire with an extinguisher,