Many household fires start while cooking. Do not leave the kitchen while preparing a meal. Never put out a fire in a pan with water. Instead, carefully cover the pan with a fire blanket or a lid.
Be sure to install smoke detectors
- A smoke detector alerts you instantly if smoke appears. Preferably place one in each room. Keep an insulating glove and a cover near the stove
- If the fire catches in a pan, use the insulating mitt to grab the lid to cover the pan; it will smother the flames.
- Once the cover is in place, turn off the cooker element.
To avoid absolutely if the fire catches in a pan
Never move a pot on fire. The fire could spread to your clothes. Never put a saucepan on fire in a sink full of water. In contact with certain products that burn cooking oil for example water can increase the height of the flames, and the fire could spread. Avoid keeping dish towels and tea towels near the elements and never use them as splash guards on the stove. Tip that could save your life if your clothes catch on fire, throw yourself on the ground and roll off. A part of fire safety strategy is important.
Farm fires
Each year in Canada, there are approximately 800 deaths caused by fires? Many of these deaths take place on farms.
Farm fires are a particular threat because most of them are located far from firefighting equipment and water supplies. The economic and personal losses are significant, proportionally more than in urban areas.
Fire rescue procedure
When a fire breaks out in a house or farm building, everyone should immediately evacuate the area. Emergency exits must be provided as usual exits may be obstructed. Close all doors and windows behind you, so as not to create drafts that will activate the fire. When everyone has been able to leave the building, notify the Ottawa Fire Department. State your name, address and the exact location of the fire.
Never allow anyone to enter a burning building.
Security rules
- Never allow smoking in bars or near flammable materials.
- Never fill up with gasoline inside a building or when the engine is running or still hot.
- Avoid spontaneous combustion of hay by making sure it is completely dry before stacking.
Make sure the electrical installations and wires have all been inspected and approved by your electricity supplier. Burn waste only in an incinerator equipped with a spark arrester. The incinerator should be located at least 30 meters from any large building.
- Install lightning rods on all large buildings.
- Equip your dryers with devices that turn off fans or shutters when they get too hot.
- Identify and store pesticides in an isolated building.
- Never store gasoline in a building.
- Never burn your fields.
Fire safety tips for the babysitter
As a babysitter, you are responsible for the safety of the children in your care and the property of your employer. Here are some tips to help you exercise this responsibility:
Have with you
- A smoke detector,
- A flashlight,
- A night light,
- The babysitter’s brochure,
- Phone stickers for emergency numbers.
