Preventing Fire in the Home

When a home is affected by fire, the results can range from financially costly to tragic. Many people have friends or acquaintances who have lost their homes, possessions or their lives to fire. Let's do our part and check out some preventative tips.

It's important for everyone to know their role in fire safety. Homeowners, landlords and tenants all have responsibilities when it comes to keeping people and homes safe from both fire and carbon monoxide.

The Ontario Fire Code sets out the minimum requirements for fire safety in all buildings, including residential homes.

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties are in compliance with the Fire Code. This includes maintaining fire alarm and sprinkler systems, and conducting needed fire safety inspections.

Tenants are responsible for following the Fire Code as well and keeping their units free of clutter. If tenants notice any low-battery beeping from any alarm, it is their responsibility to either replace the batteries, or inform the landlord, depending on that has been agreed upon. Tenants should also report any potential fire hazards to their landlord.

Smoke Alarms

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their home in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. This includes having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and keeping exits clear of clutter.

Many fires that lead to death occur at night when people are asleep. Oftentimes, these victims never wake up. With working smoke alarms, you gain the priceless time needed to escape a fire. Every home, cabin, cottage, and seasonal home in Ontario by law must have a functioning smoke alarm on every story and outside of all sleeping areas.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you have any fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or an attached garage in your home, by law in Ontario you must have a CO alarm installed adjacent to each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that is undetectable without a CO detector. Caused by fire that isn't adequately oxygenated, CO takes the place of oxygen in the blood, leading those affected to go from feeling normal, to ill, to blacked out from a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Fire Extinguishers

Most buildings in Ontario, with the exception of single-family homes, are required by law to have a portable fire extinguisher installed. Although not legally mandated for residences, it's really a smart idea for all homeowners to include a fire extinguisher as part of their safety plans.

Having a few extinguishers on hand  and knowing how to use them properly could make the difference between containing a small fire and losing everything in a major blaze.

Other Considerations

• Remove flammable debris from around your home, like needles and leaves from near your home and in your gutters.
• Use flame-resistant materials if you are going to do renovations.
• Keep powerlines free from tree branches near your home, which could cause an electrical fire should the branch break and hit the line.
• Have a fire plan in place, and ensure your family knows the plan

Everyone has a role to play in preventing fires and keeping people safe. By understanding how to protect your home and deciding to take responsibility for our own actions, we can all help make our homes and communities safer places to live.

Want more fire prevention tips? Check out FireSmartCanada.ca.