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Be Fire Safe!
- Cooking is the leading cause of fires during the holidays. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking!
- Heating equipment is the second leading cause of fires during the holidays. Heating systems and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified service technician.
- Smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires during the holidays. Butt-out cigarettes in large, deep ashtrays.
- Alcohol is a factor in approximately one in five fatal fires during the holidays. Drink responsibly during the holiday season.
Learn the sounds of Fire Safety
What is your alarm telling you?
SMOKE ALARMS
- A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
- A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
- All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS
- A continuous set of four loud beeps—beep, beep, beep, beep—means carbon monoxide is present in your home. Go outside, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
- A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced.
- CO alarms also have “end of life” sounds that vary by manufacturer. This means it’s time to get a new CO alarm.
- Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
Learn more about Holiday Safety
How do I keep myself and loved ones safe?
- Ensure woodstoves, fireplaces an fireplace inserts are installed by a qualified technician according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Have your heating system, vents and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified service technician.
- Ensure all outside heating vents are not blocked.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every storey of your home - test them every month.