Public Education Programs

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services provides public education programs, hall tours, safety lectures and fire safety training to families, community groups, clubs, schools and businesses.

Learn more about the following public education programs:

Alarmed For Life Program

Seasonally, firefighters go door-to-door delivering the Alarmed for Life Program. The program is designed to make sure each home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required by law. We will ask you a series of questions; participation in the program is voluntary.

We will also provide you with information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and home escape planning.

If requested, firefighter prevention staff can assess your home's basic fire safety.

If you would like more information about our Alarmed for Life Program, contact Fire Prevention at 905-623-5126.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Ontario's annual Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs the first week of November each year.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly. It's produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbecues, portable heaters and generators or vehicles.

Did you know?

The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu without the fever.
CO is odourless, colourless and tasteless.
The average home in Ontario as four to six fuel-burning appliances that produce CO.
CO alarms are now mandatory in all homes across Ontario and should be installed on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.

Safety tips

Ensure all fuel-burning appliances and vents in your home are inspected annually. Find a registered contractor at COsafety.ca.
Install a CO alarm on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
Test CO alarms every month by pressing the test button.

If you hear the alarm

If your CO alarm sounds and you or others suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency services number from outside the building. You may not always be aware that you have CO poisoning; you may feel tired and chalk it up to just a long day. As a precaution, if your CO alarm sounds and you are not sure if you're suffering from CO poisoning, dial 911. This may help save your life. Always make sure the battery on your CO alarm is replaced and that the alarm itself has not reached its "end-of-life."

View the Carbon Monoxide Prevention Poster (PDF)

Community Fire Safety Programs

Our Public Education team offers a wide range of fire safety programs customized for community groups and businesses.

If you would like more information about our community fire safety program for your community group or business, contact a member of our Public Education team at 905-623-5126.

Grade school programs

Our grade school programs deliver age-specific fire safety messages through teaching, games and fire truck tours to kindergarten and grade one students. Our Fire Safety House, Hazard House and Sparky will visit school Fun Fares as requested.

Grade five students participate in the Racing Against Drugs program and have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Firefighter program.

High school students attending Cooperative Education Placements are lectured in workplace fire safety and choosing post-secondary fire-safe accommodations.

Annually, all schools must perform three fire drills in the spring and another three fire drills in the fall.

Industrial safety training

Industrial safety training provides education and training to people responsible for fire safety in the workplace. Participants will learn their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code and applicable Fire Safety Plan. Participants will gain knowledge in fire safety systems, maintaining exit plans, standpipe hose cabinets, and fire alarm panels. Practical experience with a portable fire extinguisher is also available.

School custodian training

Participants will gain knowledge in fire safety systems, maintaining exit plans, standpipe hose cabinets, and fire alarm panels. Practical experience with a portable fire extinguisher is also available.

Seniors' fire safety program

When it comes to fire, seniors are at greater risk than any other group. As most fire deaths occur in the home, it is important that this vulnerable group know how to protect themselves. Fire Services will provide you with a home fire safety check presentation.

Fire station tours

To arrange an in-person or virtual tour, schools and community groups can contact a member of our Fire Prevention team at 905-623-5126 ext. 2806.

Fire Chief for the Day

This program encourages grade six students across Clarington to build their family's home escape plan. The student chosen to be the Fire Chief for the Day will have completed a detailed home escape plan, practised the plan and reported on its success. This program runs annually in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week.

If you would like more information about our Fire Chief for the Day Program, contact a member of our Fire Prevention team at 905-623-5126.

Portable fire extinguisher training

Portable fire extinguisher training is available to Clarington families, groups, clubs, schools and businesses. Participants will learn the various classes of fire, methods of extinguishing a fire and using a portable fire extinguisher.

For more information on portable fire extinguisher training, contact a member of our Public Education team at 905-623-5126.

The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C)

Playing with fire and starting a fire are extremely dangerous behaviours that can result in tragedy.

TAPP-C is a program for youth who have played with fire or set fires, including playing with matches or lighters, burning paper or garbage, performing lighter "tricks," intentionally setting fire to buildings, or making bombs.

It is an evidence-based collaborative program that involves fire service and mental health professionals working together to ensure that all youth are educated and have the best chance possible for a safe and healthy future.