A Recipe for Fire Safety
Be prepared for fire
Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan Your Escape! Make a home escape plan or refer to your building's fire safety plan.
Put a lid on it!
If a pot on the stove catches on fire, slide a lid over the pot to smother the flames, then turn off the stove. Never use water on a grease fire.
NEVER LEAVE COOKING UNATTENDED
Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of house fires in Ontario. Always turn the stove off before leaving the room; or bring something with you (e.g. oven mitt) to remind you the stove is on.
Don't reach for danger!
Wear tight-fitting rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don't reach over a hot burner.
If your clothing catches on fire...
Lower yourself to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to put out the flames. If you can't do this, grab a towel or blanket and smother the flames.
Crawl low under the smoke and go
Most fire victims die from smoke, not flames. Smoke always rises, so you must get down on the floor where the air is cleaner. Crawl on your hands and knees (or get as low to the ground as possible) and evacuate quickly.
Smoke alarms and CO alarms protect everyone
Have a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home, and a CO alarm installed outside of sleeping areas. Every month test the alarms by using a broom handle or cane to gently push the alarm test button.
Need assistance?
If you would like help testing your smoke/CO alarms or preparing a fire safety plan, call Central York Fire Services for assistance.