Fire prevention includes actions and practices aimed at stopping fires before they start and reducing their impact if they do occur. This involves educating the public about fire safety, inspecting buildings for hazards, and enforcing fire codes.
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
Visit our pages to learn more about carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms:
Fire escape plan
A fire can double in size every minute! It is so important that everyone knows what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds.
Create a fire escape plan
Learn more about creating a home fire escape plan and drawing a floor plan using an escape plan template.
Be prepared, get out and stay out
- Know your floor plan: Refer to your Fire Escape Plan and practice it twice a year, once during daylight and once at night. Practice different ways out.
- Know how to exit:
- The first way out is to use the door. The second way out is to use a window if the room has one. If you see smoke on your way out the door, use the window. If there is no window or other exit, crawl on your hands and knees keeping your head 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) above the floor and move under the smoke.
- If you live in an apartment building, use the stairs to escape. Do not use the elevator. It might not work or stop on a floor where the fire is still burning.
- If fire or smoke is blocking your exit:
- Close all doors between you and the fire. If you live in an apartment, close your main door, but don’t lock it.
- Cover all cracks where smoke can enter with towels or blankets.
- Wait at a window and signal for help with a light-coloured towel or flashlight to help firefighters locate you.
- If you can access a phone, call 9-1-1 even if firefighters are already outside. Tell the operator where you are.
- Stay calm and listen for instructions from fire personnel.
- Know where to meet outside: This could be a neighbour's home or a familiar landmark nearby, like a tree, a streetlight or a sign.
- Stay out: Do not go back for any reason, and do not try to rescue possessions or pets. If people are trapped, firefighters have the best chance of rescuing them.
72 hour emergency preparedness guide
Review the guide for information on preparing emergency home escape plans for all types of emergencies.
Fire extinguishers
When to use a fire extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are designed to contain or put out a small fire until the Fire Department can arrive. They are not intended for use on large or spreading fires.
Before you fight any fire, make sure that:
- You know how to use the fire extinguisher
- Everyone else has left the building, and someone is calling 9-1-1
- The room is not full of smoke, and you have a clear escape route – never let the fire get between you and the exit
- You have the correct type of extinguisher for the type of fire that is burning
How to use a fire extinguisher
Learn how to use it before a fire happens. Read the instructions that come with it. Most fire extinguishers empty within 30 seconds. If the fire is not out by then, get out!
Remember the word PASS:
- P - Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
- A - Aim low at the base of the fire.
- S - Squeeze the lever or button above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent slowly and evenly.
- S - Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side.
Types of extinguishers
Consider using an extinguisher with an ABC rating because it can be used on most types of household fires. Look for the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) label on the extinguisher, which means it was tested.
Extinguishers are labelled with symbols or letters for the classes of fire they can put out. Classes are based on what types of combustible materials are in a room.
Placement of fire extinguishers
Where to place a fire extinguisher
- on every level of the home, near bedrooms, in the kitchen, in the garage
- Mounted at least 4 inches off the ground and no higher than 5 ft
- In a place easily accessible and easily visible
Where not to place a fire extinguisher
- Never near heat sources
- In hard-to-reach places or areas blocked by furniture or equipment
- In areas with high humidity. The humidity can cause the chemicals in the extinguisher to deteriorate.
Fireworks regulations
Resources
