Fire Safety

Fire safety begins with you. Learn and share safety tips for your home and work.

Home escape planning

Every family needs a home escape plan (PDF) that includes alternate escape routes, a plan to help each other and a meeting place. We ask all residents to create a home escape plan and practise what to do with your family.

Simple steps for home fire escape planning

Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
If someone in your home has a disability, develop a home fire escape plan that considers their unique needs. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone who needs assistance to escape.
Choose an outside meeting place, such as a tree or a lamppost.
Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or a neighbour's house.
Practise your home fire escape plan.
Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms.
Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of your home.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each month by pressing the test button. Change the batteries every year.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Candle safety tips

Battery-powered LED candles or lanterns are a safer alternative to traditional candles. They provide light without the risk of an open flame and can be used as a safer lighting option during a power outage.

For traditional candles, keep these tips in mind:

Always place candles in sturdy, non-flammable holders on a stable surface.
Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or decorations.
Never leave candles unattended or within reach of children or pets.
Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room.

Learn more about Candle Safety Tips on the Health Canada website.

Heating sources

Do not use portable generators, gas stoves, or grills indoors as a heat source during a power outage, as they produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that poses a significant fire and health risk.
If using a fuel-powered generator, place it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from doors, windows, and vents.
Keep flammable materials, such as blankets or furniture, at least three feet away from heating sources like space heaters or fire places.

Home health care systems

Home health care systems like medical devices may use electricity to function correctly. Therefore, it’s essential to have a backup power plan to ensure continuous operation during a power outage.

Being prepared and having a plan for backup power during power outages is crucial for maintaining the functionality of home healthcare systems. Stay informed, communicate with your healthcare provider, and always prioritize safety.

Consider investing in a battery-powered uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a generator specifically designed for medical devices to provide emergency power during an outage.
Keep spare batteries or mobile chargers for medical devices fully charged and easily accessible.
Develop an emergency plan with a contingency for power outages.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers, including your healthcare provider, medical equipment supplier, and local utility company, readily available.
If using oxygen or other medical gases, ensure you have sufficient supplies to last during an outage and know how to use and store them safely.

Fire alarm and security monitoring companies

During a scheduled power outage, consider contacting your fire alarm and security monitoring companies to inform them. Your proactive communication can help ensure the smooth functioning of your fire alarm and security systems during and after the power outage and contribute to the safety and security of your building and its occupants.

By notifying your fire alarm and security monitoring companies in advance, they can be prepared to provide troubleshooting support remotely, if possible, dispatch necessary service calls to address any issues, adjust staffing levels and coordinate with local authorities.

Sump pumps

Sump pumps prevent basement flooding, especially during heavy rains or power outages. Having a backup power source, monitoring water levels, and keeping your sump pump well-maintained can help reduce the risk of water damage to your home.

Develop an emergency plan in case of a sump pump failure during a power outage. Include buckets, mops, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum to manage any water intrusion.
Keep an eye on the water level in the sump pump pit during a power outage. If the water level rises too high, consider using a manual pump or other means to remove excess water to prevent basement flooding.

Cottage Safety

To minimize the risk of fire and injuries at your cottage, follow these fire safety tips:

Install smoke alarms on every floor and outside all sleeping areas. It's the law for all Ontario homes, cottages, cabins and seasonal homes to have working smoke alarms on every floor and outside all sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms each month or each time you return to the cottage. Pack a new smoke alarm and extra batteries in case they need replacing.
Install carbon monoxide alarms outside the sleeping areas of your cottage if it has a fuel-burning appliance, including natural gas, propane, or wood-burning appliances.
Develop and practise a home fire escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds.
Memorize the address of your cottage in case you must call 911.
Clean barbecues before using them. Keep an eye on lit barbecues and ensure all combustibles, as well as children and pets, are kept well away from them.
Keep barbecue lighters and matches out of sight and reach of children.
Remember to bring a flashlight with extra batteries.
Check heating appliances and chimneys before using them.
Check with your local fire department, municipality, or Ministry of Natural Resources to determine if open-air burning is permitted before having a campfire or burning brush. If open-air burning is allowed, build your fire on bare soil or exposed rock. Remove leaves and twigs from around the fire to keep it from spreading. Always keep a bucket of water, sand, or even a shovel close by. Always supervise the fire.
If you must smoke, do so outside. Keep a large can with water nearby so you can discard cigarette butts safely.
Drink responsibly. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are contributing factors in many fires and can lead to serious injuries.
Burn candles in sturdy candle holders that will not tip and are covered with a glass shade. When you go out, blow out.

Barbecue Safety

Cooking on a gas barbecue is something we all enjoy. Please take the time to inspect your grill and ensure your safety.

Before you begin, make sure your propane or natural gas barbecue is in safe, good working order.

Inspect your barbecue

Dirt and debris can build up inside the grill over the winter months. Carefully clean out any particles, dust, and cobwebs that may have built up over the winter. Newer barbecues have spider guards to prevent them from entering the burner and burner tubes, however, if yours does not, use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure that spider webs have not built up inside. Remove lava rocks and grates for a thorough cleaning with soap and warm water.
Clean your burner ports to ensure they are free of dirt and rust.
Make sure that the barbecue hose is in good condition and is free of cracks. Propane or Natural Gas leaking from a cracked hose may send out a stream that, if ignited, can produce huge flames.
Check to ensure that all connections are tight and that there are no leaks. Do not use a match or lighter to check for leaks. You can brush a mixture of soap and water onto the connections and hoses (a 50/50 mix), and any rising bubbles will indicate a leak. Repair your barbecue so that there are no more bubbles.
Replace rusty or damaged propane tanks that are more than 10 years old.
If you're not sure about the condition of a barbecue part, you should replace it with a new component.
Call a certified fuel appliance repair person if you do not feel comfortable completing safety checks yourself.

How do I properly light my barbecue?

When your barbecue is safe and ready to use, begin by opening the lid. Always have the lid in the open position when lighting the grill.
Turn on the gas by opening the natural gas or propane cylinder valve. After this step has been completed, turn on the barbecue at the grill controls.
Light the barbecue by depressing the igniter button.

If your barbecue does not have an igniter button, insert a long match or barbecue lighter into the side burner hole. Have the match lit before you turn on the grill controls.

If the burner does not ignite, keep the lid open, turn off the gas and wait five minutes before trying again.

How to shut off your barbecue

Shut off your natural gas or propane cylinder valve to burn off any remaining gas in the hose line.
Turn off your burner controls so that no gas remains trapped within the hose.
Allow your barbecue some significant 'cooling off' time before covering it.

Your propane cylinder

Propane is an economical and portable fuel that provides heat, cooks food, and generates light. It is used as a gas but stored as a liquid in cylinders that can vary in size.

In Canada, propane cylinders must be inspected or replaced every 10 years. You can view the date that your cylinder was last qualified on the collar of the cylinder. It is also possible that a cylinder less than 10 years old may need replacing. A rusty and damaged cylinder could mean that you are ready for a new one. When you make your purchase, make sure you turn your old cylinder in so that it can be purged and recycled or disposed of.

In Canada, only a properly trained and certified attendant is allowed to fill a tank. An attendant is not allowed to fill an outdated cylinder or fill any tank beyond 80 per cent of its capacity.

How to change my BBQ cylinder

Take your time while replacing the empty cylinder. Ensure that the special plug is threaded onto the outlet of the service valve when you disconnect the hose.
Carry the empty cylinder in the upright position with the safety valve on top.
Transport the empty upright cylinder on the floor of the passenger compartment in your vehicle for safety reasons. Secure it so that it cannot topple over while you are driving. Keep the windows open.
Never leave a propane cylinder inside a parked vehicle with the windows sealed. As heat builds up, it could potentially cause an explosion. Do not smoke in your vehicle if a cylinder is inside.
Secure the new cylinder in place on the BBQ before you reconnect it. After reconnecting it, check for leakage using the soap and water solution.
If your barbecue connection has an "O" ring, make sure you check it for fractures and cracks every time you replace your cylinder.
Never smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
Do not store extra propane cylinders beneath your barbecue or inside any structure as excess heat could cause the cylinder to release overpressure and propane along with it.

Tips for charcoal grilling

Ensure that your charcoal briquette barbecue is well ventilated. Poisonous gases like carbon monoxide are released from the briquettes.
Do not use gasoline to prompt your charcoal briquettes to ignite quickly, instead use a proper charcoal lighting fluid. Allow the fluid to settle for a few minutes so that the explosive vapours have a chance to dissipate.
Stand back from the grill a safe distance while lighting the briquettes. Ensure you did not spill any lighting fluid onto your clothing or the area around the actual grill. Before igniting the briquettes, place the can of fluid at a safe distance from the BBQ.
If the briquettes begin to die out, refrain from spraying the lighting fluid onto the hot coals, which could result in a hazardous and explosive situation.
When you are done grilling, make sure that your hot coals are fully extinguished before you dispose of them. Hot coals are very dangerous and can easily start a garbage can fire.

Enjoy your summer barbecue but remember...

Keep children and pets far away from a hot grill, and never leave them unsupervised in the area of an ignited barbecue.
Never use wood, charcoal briquettes, barbecue starter fluid or gasoline in conjunction with your propane or natural gas barbecue. Doing so is likely to result in a highly flammable and volatile situation that may cause extensive damage to your property, personal injury or loss of life.
Barbecue in an open outdoor space due to ventilation and safety reasons. Keep the barbecue at least three metres from windows and doors.
Keep the barbecue away from wooden fences, wooden walls, combustible overhead roofs, and trees with low branches.
Do not allow an accumulation of grease to occur by keeping your grill and burners clean. This will help minimize the chances that you will have a serious grease fire.
Never fight a grease fire with water. This will only cause the flames to flare up. Keep loose clothing away from a hot barbecue. Roll up your sleeves or cook in a short-sleeved shirt. If your clothing catches on fire, quickly stop, drop and roll.
Use long-handled tongs and brushes while grilling to put an extra bit of distance between you and the flames.
Wear oven mitts and a heavy apron to protect yourself from fire while grilling.
If you do burn yourself, run the affected area under cool water for five minutes. If your burn is serious (charring, blistering), seek medical attention right away.

Note: Some content adapted from Magazine 'SummerSmart' published by TSSA and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.

Kitchen safety

More fires begin in the kitchen than in any other room in the home. In fact, residential cooking is one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths. The majority of kitchen fires start with cooking equipment, primarily with stoves and microwave ovens.

Remember to:

Keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove. A small child could pull on a handle and be burned or scalded by its contents.
Avoid loose clothing while cooking. Loose clothing can brush heating elements and easily catch fire.
Never leave food cooking unattended on the stove.
Never store frequently used items above the stove where you may be burned reaching to get them.
Remove pans of cooking fat or oils from the stove when not in use. It's easy to turn on the wrong burner accidentally.
Keep your stove and oven clean because built-up grease and food particles can easily ignite. Keep combustibles (i.e. curtains, dish towels, plastic or wood utensils, newspapers, grocery bags) away from the stove, oven and all appliances.
Unplug kettles, frying pans and other appliances when not in use.

Smother grease or pan fires

Turn off the stove. Smother flames with a pot lid or larger pan, if possible. Protect your hand with an oven mitt or wrapped dishtowel.
Use an approved portable fire extinguisher only if you are familiar with its safe operation.
Never throw water or use flour on a grease fire.
In case of an oven fire, close the oven door and turn off the oven. Never touch or attempt to carry a flaming pot. The contents may spill, spread or burn you.
If the fire is not brought under control immediately, get you and your family out and call 911.

What if I accidentally make contact with a flame or hot surface?

If your clothing catches fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll back and forth to put the fire out.
Immediately cool a burn with cool running water under a tap for five to ten minutes and seek medical attention.

How safe is my microwave oven?

Microwave ovens are safe appliances, but if you accidentally place a twist-tie or other piece of metal inside an oven, "arcing" may occur and pose a danger.
In case of fire, unplug the appliance and do not open the microwave door until the flames are out.

What other steps can I take to prevent kitchen fires?

Make stove controls easy to read from a distance - perhaps mark "off" with a bright red dot.
Examine the stove and oven, toasters, coffee makers, and other cooking devices for signs of cracking, fraying or wear on cords and plugs.
Look for signs of overheating.
Check for recognized testing laboratory labels to show that the unit has been well designed.
Keep matches out of reach of children. Explain the dangers to your children.

Fire extinguishment and evacuation

A dry chemical fire extinguisher belongs in the kitchen. Mount it on the wall near an exit and not too close to the stove.
Know when and how to operate your extinguisher; read the label carefully for directions.
Remember, your first priority is to evacuate and call 911. When purchasing electrical appliances and fixtures, look for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) seal of approval.
When purchasing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, look for the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC) label.
In case of fire or an emergency, call 911.

Safety tips

Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
Light only one firework at a time, and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
If someone is burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

Workplace safety

You need to know the emergency and evacuation plans for your office or workplace. Fire can break out anywhere, including where you work. Each year numerous fires in the workplace cause injury and property loss.

If a fire started in your office or in the building where you work, would you know what to do? Do you know your workplace evacuation procedures in the event of an alarm? What can you do to prevent fires in your workplace?

Knowing the answers to these questions and following a few simple fire safety procedures can help save lives.

Employees should know:

The location of two exits closest to their work area.
The location of the nearest fire alarm pull station and how to use it.
To call 911.
Your responsibilities in a fire, which are outlined in the fire safety plan and fire emergency procedures.

Employers are responsible for:

Preparing and implementing the Fire Safety Plan.
Informing employees of the Fire Safety Plan.
Posting fire emergency procedures on each floor.
Conducting regular fire drills with all employees.

If you discover a fire:

Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station on the fire floor.
Leave the area immediately, closing all doors behind you.
Take keys with you.
Go to the nearest exit and leave the building. Close all doors behind you.
If you encounter smoke, consider taking an alternate stairwell or exit. Heat and smoke rise, leaving cleaner air near the floor. Crawl low under smoke.
Call 911 regardless of the size of the fire. Never assume someone else has called.
Give correct address, location of the fire and your name.

The use of extinguishers:

Most workplaces contain portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers can only put out small, contained fires, such as a fire in a wastebasket. The extinguisher in your workplace may or may not be suitable for dealing with grease or electrical fires.
If you have not been trained in the proper use of portable extinguishers, do not attempt to fight a fire using them.

Never fight a fire:

If the fire is large or spreading.
If your escape route may be blocked by the spread of fire.
If you are not trained in the correct use of the extinguisher or are unsure of the type of fire.

If you do fight a fire:

Call the Fire Services first at 911.
Ensure everyone has evacuated or is leaving the area or building.
Only fight a small fire.

Fire prevention tips for a safer workplace

Smoking

Smoke only in areas allowed.
Use large, non-tip ashtrays. Do not empty contents into wastebaskets.
Check for smouldering cigarettes on furniture and in wastebaskets.

Wiring

Check and replace any electrical cords that have cracked insulation or broken connectors.
Avoid octopus wiring.
Do not run extension cords across doorways or under rugs.
Avoid plugging more than one extension cord into an outlet.
Use only CSA-approved power bars.

Appliances

Use only CSA-approved appliances.
Leave enough space for the circulation of air around heaters and other equipment such as computer terminals and copy machines.
Keep all appliances a safe distance from combustible materials.
Always turn off or unplug appliances at the end of each day.

Arson

Arson is one of the leading causes of fire in the workplace. To prevent or minimize the risk of fire due to arson, remember:

To be aware of your building security procedures.
Report any vandalism and notify security or police of suspicious behaviour and visitors.
Lock doors after working hours.
Ensure areas around your building are free of combustibles and are well lit.
Keep all halls, lobbies and areas used by the public clear of obstructions.

In case of fire or an emergency, call 911.

Technical Standards and Safety Authority product warnings

Clothes dryer safety tips

A leading cause of dryer fires in homes is the lack of dryer maintenance.

View our safety tip sheet (PDF)

Storm/Natural disaster safety tips

Natural disasters can have a devastating effect on you and your home. Use these natural disaster safety tips to help protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a summer storm.

Train corridor safety

Safety tips for children

Children are more likely than adults to be injured in a fire. Please teach your children the importance of fire safety at an early age.

For kid-friendly activities, videos and more visit, Sparky.org.

Matches and lighters

Don't let your children play with fire. Kids are often fascinated by fire, but they do not understand the danger of playing with matches and lighters. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

Tell your children if they find matches or lighters:

Not to touch them.
To call an adult/grown-up right away.

Teach your children that:

Matches and lighters are not toys and are very dangerous.
Fire can hurt them and destroy things.
Once a fire starts, it isn't easy to control.
Matches and lighters should only be used by adults.

Plan to get out alive

When children see smoke or fire, they often respond by hiding, for example, in a closet or under a bed. Tell your children that they cannot hide from fire, but they must escape immediately by following a few simple rules:

Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan with your children.
Plan two ways to get out of every room.
Practise fire drills at least twice a year with your children.
In an apartment fire, your children need to know which stairways will get them out of the building.
Tell your children never to take an elevator during a fire.
Decide on a planned meeting area outside the home as part of your fire escape plan.
Tell your children never to go back into a burning building.

Stop, drop and roll

Practise the Stop, Drop and Roll movements with your children. This could save their lives if their clothes ever catch on fire. Have your children pretend that their clothes are on fire. Then tell them to:

Stop - Get them to stop where they are, and stop what they are doing. Do not run!
Drop - Get them to drop to the floor as quickly as possible.
Roll - Have them cover their face with their hands, then roll over and over until the flames are out.

Get out, stay out and stay alive.

Teach your children the emergency phone number, 911.

Call 911 from a neighbour's phone.

Crawl low under smoke

Teach your children:

Smoke is dangerous.
Smoke rises, so cleaner, cooler air is near the floor.
To get down on their hands and knees and crawl low under the smoke to the nearest exit.

Smoke alarms

Make sure children know what a smoke alarm is. Children must know:

Smoke alarms warn them if a fire starts.
To get out of the house immediately when they hear the sound of the smoke alarm.
Show your child how important smoke alarms are by testing all your smoke alarms every month and changing their batteries at least once a year.

In case of fire or an emergency, call 911.

Other fire safety tips