In the video below, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Ryan Schell, teaches us about

how to use the "P.A.S.S" acronym when operating a fire extinguisher:

P - Pull the pin A - Aim at the base of the fire S - Squeeze the handle S - Sweep from side to side

🧯BEFORE using an extinguisher🧯 1. Ensure the building has been notified of the fire. Pull the alarm pull station if your building has a fire alarm system. If no alarm system/pull station is installed, make sure someone is in charge of alerting everyone to evacuate AND calling 9-1-1. 2. Make sure your back is to the exit, so nothing comes between you and your way out. 3. Will your extinguisher operate correctly? Has it been properly maintained? Is it expired? These are all questions you must know the answer to PRIOR to grabbing that extinguisher. If you cannot address all the above components FIRST, you must escape. Contain the room of origin by closing the door, call 9-1-1, and exit the building.

Did you know: Fire extinguishers are not required for single family homes? Why is this?? The fire services in the Province of Ontario want you to focus on ESCAPE rather than spending time putting out a fire. You may have less than 5 minutes to escape safely, once your alarms alert you to a fire in your home. 🔥 Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires in Ontario? Here are some tips to remember:

✅ When using the stovetop, always "stand by your pan" and keep the proper fitting lid nearby. In the event of a fire, you can simply slide the over the pot/pan and turn off the heat.

🚫 DO NOT toss the contents into the sink, a common story our residents share with us! If there is grease of oil in the pan, applying water will increase the surface area of the content burning, leading to a rapid increase of the fire's size.

Stay calm, allow that tight-fitting lid to suffocate the fire by keeping it in place. 

If there is a fire in the oven or microwave, simply keep the door to the appliance closed, and turn off the heat.

🚒 When in doubt, just get out, call 9-1-1 from a safe location. ☎️ No fire is too small to call for help.

Follow those simple and time saving steps to help keep you and your family safe.

Do you have a home escape plan? Check out our video on YouTube on home escape planning where we discuss the importance of practicing fire drills at home.

A practiced plan, and having properly maintained smoke alarms are the KEY to a safe escape. 

Interested in booking a fire extinguisher training session with us or have questions?

Call our Fire & Life Safety Educator:

905-953-5129, extension 3024