Fire Safety for Everyone

9-1-1 for children

Teaching your children how to use 9-1-1 is crucial and could save their lives or yours. Here are four simple steps for teaching your children of any age how to use 9-1-1:

1. First explain what 9-1-1 is and that it isn't a joke or for pranks.
2. Teach them to assess the risks before dialing 9-1-1. Can they call right away or do they need to move to a safer place?
3. Explain what type of information to give once they have called 9-1-1.
4. Practise pretend situations with them to make them more familiar with the concept without frightening them. Find scenarios to practise on the Government of Canada's Get Prepared website.

Stop, drop, and roll

Stop, drop, and roll is the quickest way to smother the flames on our bodies and lessen the burn injuries. Children of all ages can be taught what to do if their clothes catch on fire:

1. STOP what you are doing
2. DROP to the ground
3. ROLL over back and forth covering your face and mouth with your hands

By practising together, you can equip your child(ren) with the reflexes they might need in an emergency situation.

Sleepover fire safety for children

If your child is planning to sleep over with a friend, make sure the home is safe from fire. Before you say "yes", ask these questions:

• Are there working smoke alarms on every storey and outside each sleeping area?
• Will the children be supervised throughout the stay?
• Do they have a home fire escape plan that includes two ways out and a meeting place outside?
• Are there two escape routes from the room where your child will be sleeping?
• Will the parents walk through their escape plan with your child?
• Are the parents cautious with smoking materials, matches and lighters, and candles?
• If the home has security bars, do they have quick release devices inside so your child can get out in an emergency?

If you are hosting a sleepover, take time to reassure the parents of your guest(s) that you have all of these items covered and will review them with the child(ren) upon arrival.

Slip and fall during emergencies

In the hurry to escape a fire or other emergency, tripping can make the situation worse, and even fatal. Prevent slip and fall accidents by following these tips:

• check to see that all tripping hazards, such as scatter rugs, cords, shoes and general clutter, are removed from floors and stairways;
• repair patios or walkways where there are uneven surfaces;
• mark the edges of steps with reflective or a contrasting colour of tape, so they stand out and can be seen from a distance

Lighting is especially important to help you escape quickly without falling. Dimly lit areas may produce confusing shadows, make it difficult to recognize things, and slow down your exit. Always:

• ensure dimly lit areas of your escape route are illuminated
• use night-lights to light the way from the bathroom to the bedroom

Fire safety for people with Alzheimer's disease

People with Alzheimer Disease or other dementia are extremely vulnerable to serious injury, or even death when fire or other emergencies occur in their home. This fact sheet provides caregivers with important fire safety information that can help them to provide a safer environment for persons with Alzheimer Disease - and those who live with them.

Medical oxygen safety

There are unique fire and safety risks associated with the use of medical oxygen in the home. Follow these eight rules to prevent an oxygen related fire:

1. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke where medical oxygen is in use or stored. There is NO safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. This includes all types of tobacco and non-tobacco smoking products including electronic cigarettes.
2. Post NO SMOKING signs, one at the entrance to the home and one in the room where the oxygen equipment is in use and/or stored.
3. Spark or friction-generating equipment such as friction toys, grinding tools, electric shavers, hair dryers, etc. should not be used while using oxygen or in the presence of the oxygen equipment.
4. Keep oxygen cylinders at least 1.5 meters (3 feet) from heat source, open flames or electrical devices.
5. Devices with an open flame shall not be used in the home.
6. Body oil, hand lotion and items containing oil and grease can easily burn. Keep oil and grease away where oxygen is in use.
7. Petroleum jelly, oily lotions, face creams, or hair products should not be used when using oxygen. Keep hands oil-free when handling oxygen equipment.
8. Aerosol sprays containing combustible materials should not be used near oxygen equipment or while using oxygen.

Contact Us

Clarence-Rockland Fire Department

fireprevention@clarence-rockland.com

613-446-6022