Innisfil Fire & Rescue Services provides fire safety and education to help you and your family know how to respond during a fire.

Smoke alarms

When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death. It's the law to have working smoke alarms installed on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

  • Test alarms at least once a month
  • If using battery-powered alarms, remember to replace batteries as needed, at least twice a year
  • Replace alarms every ten years
  • Install alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions

Loading Poll...

Create a home escape plan

There's no time to waste during a fire. That's why it is important to make a step-by-step plan to help you escape. Everyone in your home needs to know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarms sound. Take a few minutes with everyone in your home to make a fire escape plan using the steps below or this escape plan template:

  • Draw a floor plan of your home with all possible emergency exits. Show two ways out of every room, if possible.
  • Identify special needs. Decide who will assist the very young, older adults, people with disabilities or pets.
  • Choose a meeting place outside that's a safe distance from your home and easily remembered
  • Practice your escape and review the plan with everyone in your household

Fire hydrants

In an emergency situation, every second counts. Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can slow emergency fire response. Hydrants covered in snow can be difficult to locate and uncovering them can waste valuable time.

You can help reduce the risk by keeping nearby fire hydrants accessible and clear of ice and snow. Hydrants should have a clearing of one metre (three feet) around all sides and there should be a clear path from the street to ensure firefighters can easily access the hydrants.

Fire safety tips

Review these fire safety tips to help prevent fires throughout your home.

Bedroom safety

Try these safety tips for all the bedrooms in your home:

  • Install one smoke alarm outside each bedroom in your home
  • Don't allow smoking in bedrooms
  • Check electrical appliances regularly

Some common electronic appliances in bedrooms include:

  • Electric blankets
  • Heating pads
  • Curling irons
  • Radios
  • Televisions
  • Computers and phones
  • Irons

Kitchen safety

Try these kitchen fire safety tips:

  • Avoid wearing long and loose sleeves while cooking
  • Check toasters and kettles for damaged electrical cords
  • Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off
  • Set a timer to remind you to turn off the oven or stove-top burners
  • Do not use cooking appliances if you've taken any medication that causes drowsiness
  • Use a temperature-controlled electrical skillet or deep-fryer for frying
  • Never leave cooking unattended
  • Keep your cooking appliances clean
  • Have a pot cover nearby so you can put a lid on your pot in the case of a fire

Living room safety

Try these tips for fire safety in the living room:

  • If you have a fireplace, always use a fire screen that fits the fireplace opening
  • Don't overload electrical outlets or use extension cords instead of additional outlets
  • If you smoke, always put out cigarettes and check furniture for cigarettes
  • Never leave cigarettes in an ashtray unattended
  • Keep lighters, matches and lit candles out of the reach of children
  • Never leave lit candles unattended

Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “Silent Killer” because you can't see it, taste it or smell it. It's the law for any home at risk of CO to have a working CO alarm installed. CO poisoning can be avoided with preventative measures. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

  • Install alarms near sleeping areas
  • Test alarms at least once a month
  • Replace alarms every seven to ten years, depending on the brand
  • Have a licensed technician inspect your fuel burning appliances annually (e.g., furnace, fireplace, water heater) to ensure they are in proper working order and vented correctly

If your fire or CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the house and call 911.