Huron County fire chiefs are urging people to make sure their homes are safe, after two fatal fires in Ontario this week.
Howick Chief Shawn Edwards says fire moves so fast, that you may have less than 60 seconds to escape. He says the early warning is crucial to survival and that means working smoke alarms.
He adds that the alarms are required on every level of a home, and outside all sleeping areas.
Edwards says it is also important that everyone in the home knows exactly what to do before a fire occurs, so people need to practice a home fire escape plan.
“It is up to you to make sure these types of tragedies do not happen in Huron County,” continued Chief Edwards.
Two people died Wednesday morning in a fire in a home in Brighton, Ontario. As well, a fire in Oshawa on Monday took the lives of a mother, her two young children and a man who ran into the flames to help.
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.
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 persons who require assistance list 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.
