Proudly Protecting the Town of Aurora and Newmarket
Barbecue Safety
Barbecue Safety
Barbecue Safety
Candle Safety
Barbecue Safety
Barbecue Safety
Dryer Safety
Barbecue Safety
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers
Home Heating Appliances
Fire Extinguishers
Home Heating Appliances
Home Heating Appliances
Home Heating Appliances
Cooking Safety
Home Heating Appliances
Home Heating Appliances
Barbecue Safety
Keep these essential tips in mind before firing up your propane grill to enjoy a safe and delicious barbecue season:
- Inspect Burner Ports: Make sure they are free of rust and dirt.
- Clean the Burner Orifice: Ensure it is clear of dust and cobwebs.
- Check the Hose: Inspect for any damage or cracks. A damaged hose can release propane, causing a flame several feet high if ignited.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Operate the barbecue at least 10 feet away from combustible walls or windows.
- Lighting the Grill:
- Light the match or taper first.
- Open the lid before turning on the propane.
- Never Move While Lit: Avoid moving the barbecue while it’s in use.
- Shut Off After Use:
- Turn off both the appliance’s on-off valve and the propane cylinder valve when done.
Checking for Leaks
Always test for leaks before each use. Follow these simple steps:
- Turn Off Control Knobs: Ensure all barbecue burner knobs are in the off position.
- Move to Open Space: Place the barbecue in a well-ventilated outdoor area before connecting the fuel supply.
- Test for Leaks:
- Connect the fuel supply to the barbecue.
- Mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture over connections and suspect areas.
- Watch for bubbles – bubbling indicates a leak.
Fix the Leak:
- Close the propane cylinder valve and tighten the leaking connection.
- Test again for leaks.
- If the leak persists, turn off the propane cylinder valve, disconnect it, and call a TSSA-certified fuel appliance repair professional.
See the videos below to learn more about Barbecue Safety.
Candle Safety
WHEN YOU GO OUT, BLOW IT OUT
Candles can be a fire hazard if not used properly. Keep these safety tips in mind to protect your home and loved ones:
Candle Safety Tips
- Never Leave Unattended: Never leave candles burning when you leave a room or go to sleep.
- Keep Out of Reach: Ensure candles are out of reach of children, pets, and flammable materials.
- Use Glass Chimneys: Whenever possible, place a glass chimney or cover over candles to prevent flames from spreading.
- Maintain Distance: Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or paper.
- Sturdy Holders: Use sturdy, non-flammable candle holders that won’t tip over easily.
- Pet Safety: Place candles where pets cannot knock them over or come into contact with the flame.
- Secure Matches and Lighters: Store candles, matches, and lighters out of children’s reach, ideally in a locked cabinet.
- Consider Flameless Options: Use flameless or faux candles as a safer alternative.
Additional Tips for Emergencies:
- Blackouts: Keep flashlights and extra batteries in your home instead of relying on candles during power outages.
- Tents and Vehicles: Use only battery-powered lights in tents, trailers, motor homes, and boats.
Dryer Safety
A clothes dryer can be the source of a home fire. Follow these safety guidelines to ensure safe operation and maintenance:
General Dryer Safety Tips
- Clean the Lint Screen: Always clean the lint screen before or after each use to maintain airflow.
- Inspect Exhaust Ducts: Periodically clean the exhaust duct and vent to ensure proper ventilation.
- Upgrade Flex Hoses: Replace flexible hoses with solid metal piping to maximize airflow and reduce fire risk.
- Clear the Surrounding Area: Keep the area around the dryer free of flammable materials.
- Avoid Hazardous Materials: Do not dry items that have been in contact with flammable liquids or materials that emit flammable vapors when heated.
- Read Labels and Instructions: Always check clothing labels and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe dryer operation.
- Do Not Overload: Avoid overloading the dryer to prevent overheating and mechanical stress.
Tips for Installing a New Dryer
- Use Proper Ducting: Opt for aluminum or steel rigid duct/piping for exhaust instead of accordion-style tubing made of vinyl or foil. Accordion-style ducts can trap lint and are more flammable.
- Prevent Vent Blockages: Ensure exterior dryer vent flaps are free of ice, snow, and debris. Regularly check for smooth operation to allow proper exhaust escape
- Maintain Clearance: Keep flammable materials away from the dryer.
- Ground Electrical Connections: Ensure the dryer is connected to a properly grounded and fused circuit.
- Monitor Usage: Avoid leaving the dryer running unattended in case of an automatic shut-off failure.
- Install a Smoke Alarm: Place a smoke alarm near the dryer or in the laundry room for added safety.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are widely available in stores, but we encourage residents to prioritize safety and focus on having working smoke alarms and home escape plans during a fire. Please note that fire extinguishers are optional and should not replace these essential fire safety measures.
When to Use a Fire Extinguisher:
- Small, Contained Fires: Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small, contained, and not spreading beyond its starting point.
- Not Alone: Do not attempt to fight a fire if you are alone.
- Safe Escape Route: Ensure the fire does not block or compromise your path to exit.
- Use the acronym PASS:
- P- pull the pin
- A – aim at the base of the fire
- S – squeeze the handle
- S- sweep from side to side
If you cannot safely extinguish the fire:
- Plan for Escape: Place a lid on the pot/pan or close the oven/microwave door and turn it off to suffocate the fire.
- Evacuate Immediately: Focus on getting yourself and others out of the home safely.
- Call 9-1-1: Once outside at your --family’s designated meeting area, call for emergency assistance.
Important Facts About Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Extinguishers Expire: Over time, the contents of fire extinguishers become unreliable, and the device may not function properly.
- Inefficient Use of Time: Attempting to use an expired extinguisher wastes precious evacuation time and increases exposure to toxic smoke.
- Rapid Fire Growth: Fires double in size every minute. You may have less than three (3) minutes to escape your home from the time the fire starts.
Fire Safety Essentials
- Working Smoke Alarms:
- Install alarms in the right locations.
- Test and maintain them regularly.
- Fire Drills:
- Plan and practice home fire drills with your family.
- Designate a safe meeting area outside your home.
- Home Safety Checks:
- Inspect your home for potential fire hazards.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
Need Assistance?
If you have questions or need help planning a home escape plan, contact our Fire & Life Safety Educator:
Phone: 905-953-5129, extension 3024.
To learn more about extinguishers, check out this video:
Home Heating Appliances
Home Heating Appliances
Your home furnace can become a hazard if not properly maintained. An annual inspection will ensure that your heating and venting systems are operating safely and efficiently. Contact a qualified heating contractor to provide the most important annual check-up.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
If you have gas-fueled appliances in the home, be aware they are potential sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Carbon Monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion, which essentially means the product isn't burning as intended. For information about an inspection and proper maintenance of your appliances, contact TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority).
Wood-Burning Appliances
If you have a wood-burning stove or wood-burning fireplace, have a W.E.T.T. certified technician (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) conduct an inspection once per year. They can also educate you on proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent carbon monoxide risks.
Portable and Baseboard Heaters
- Keep portable and baseboard heaters clear of items that can burn.
- Always turn off portable heaters when leaving the home to reduce the risk of fire.
Cooking Safety
Stay fire smart...in the kitchen!
Did you know that unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires?
Most kitchen fires occur because:
- Leaving the kitchen to do another chore such as laundry
- Distracted by phone calls
- Doorbell rang and forgot about food on the stove
- The children needed attention
- "I laid down for just a moment"
- Catching up on reading or watching your favourite show
Know the hazards in your kitchen:
- Never pour water onto a grease fire. Slide a lid on the burning pan and turn off the heat control switch.
- Keep your stove clean from grease and oil
- Keep pot handles turned inward
- Keep toddlers and their toys out of the kitchen
- Make sure electrical cords are in good working condition and secured over the countertop. Never overload electrical circuits.
- Wear clothing that is fitted while cooking
What to do if there is a fire in your kitchen:
- PUT A LID ON IT! Slide a proper fitting lid onto the pot/pan, then turn off the heat source
- While cooking, always have oven mitts and proper-fitting lids nearby
- If there is a fire in the oven or microwave: close the door, turn the power off, and open doors and windows to ventilate
- If you are in danger at anytime, alert others in the home while evacuating, exit the home, and go to your meeting place. Call 911 from a safe location.
