Fire Prevention

Whether at home, at work or on vacation, we all have a shared responsibility to keep our families safe from fire. Sadly, many of the fires that happen across Ontario every year were preventable, and most fatal fires are unintentional and could have been prevented. Over 10 years, OFMEM Fire Investigators have determined that 51% were unintentional/preventable.

It's your responsibility to keep your family and home safe from fires. There are three key areas to saving lives and your property, when it comes to fire in your home - prevention, detection and escape.

Prevention

Prevent fires before they start! The following information will help you spot the dangers so you can prevent a fire from happening. 

Learn about:

• Home fire prevention
• Workplace fire prevention
• Seasonal fire safety
• Seniors' safety

Detection

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often, victims never wake up. Working smoke alarms give you the precious time you need to escape a fire.

• Maintain working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside every sleeping area
• Consider installing residential sprinklers when building a new home or doing major renovations

Learn more about:

• Smoke Alarms
• Carbon Monoxide

Escape

If a fire occurred in your home tonight, would your family be able to get out safely? It is important that everyone know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds.

• Plan and practice a home escape plan

Commercial Outdoor Patio Fire Safety Tips

Owners and operators of outdoor patios and dining areas are responsible for:

• the safe installation, operation and maintenance of their patio heating units
• abiding by all safety instructions outlined in the operating manual for their heating appliances
• ensuring staff understand how to safely operate the heating units and handle propane cylinders
• ensuring compliance with any municipal requirements and applicable codes, and shall not create a hazard eg. enclosures, obstructed exist, etc.
• ensuring all electrical installations are approved for outdoor use and comply with Canadian Electrical Code

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services encourages all owners and operators to consult with TSSA's Patio Heater Safety Guidelines and NFPA's Outdoor Patio Heaters Fact Sheet.

Reopening a Building After COVID-19 Closures

Many businesses will be preparing to reopen as the Province lifts restrictions. Although they will be operating under the “new normal” conditions, fire and life safety requirements must still be considered. We have created this list to help business owners check their buildings and keep their staff, customers and property safe. 

This is not a comprehensive list of requirements, rather a guide. All requirements can be found in the Ontario Fire Code. If you have any questions regarding these or any other fire code requirements, we can be reached at 905-883-5444 or by email.