While you may think it can't happen to you, the facts are that students are affected by fire regularly. Be proactive and vigilant regarding fire safety!
There are simple and easy steps you can take in order to make yourself and your housemates safer and more prepared in the event of a fire.
The Ontario Associate of Fire Chiefs has created some resources for your reference.
General Tips to Remember:
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Working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms save lives - test your alarms every month
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All Ontario homes are required by law to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This requirement came into effect in 2006.
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Residences that contain at least one fuel-burning appliance (e.g., gas water heater or gas furnace), fireplace or an attached garage, require the installation of a CO alarm. This requirement came into effect in 2015.
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Landlords are required by the Ontario Fire Code to:
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Maintain smoke alarms and CO alarms in operating condition, and
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Provide their tenants with the smoke alarm and CO alarm manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
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Tenants are required by the Ontario Fire Code to inform the landlord of disconnected, non-operating or impaired alarms.
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Smoke alarms and CO alarms are required to be replaced within the timeframe indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions and/or on the label on the unit. Ask your landlord to show you the required replacement date on each alarm.
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If your rental unit does not have the proper number of working and in-date smoke or CO alarms installed in required locations, notify your landlord that is an Ontario Fire Code violation.
- Buy a fire extinguisher. They can be purchased for as little as $25. Have one visible in your rental. Ask your parents or friends to get one for you as a housewarming gift.
- Stay in the kitchen and pay attention while cooking
- When a fire occurs, there is no time to waste. That is why it is so important to sit down with your housemates today and make a step-by-step plan for escaping from a fire.
- If a fire occurs, get out immediately and call 911
The Office of the Fire Marshal & Emergency Management has put together 10 tips to remember for a safe place to live, find the pdf here.