Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services reports that fire fatalities across Ontario have increased by 65 percent compared to this time last year.
Between January 1 and May 4, 2019, there were 31 fire fatalities in Ontario, the press release noted, compared with 51 this year. Seventeen of these occurred during the month of March, Fire Chief Ryan Edgar – Director of Fire and Emergency Services – noted in the press release.
Edgar termed the news staggering.
“I am urging all residents to be vigilant in preventing fires in their homes, especially at a time when so many of us are at home practicing physical distancing because of COVID-19,” the chief urged.
“It’s an important time to test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and practice home fire escape plans.”
Fire and Emergency Services is recommending that all residents follow these simple guidelines to prevent a fire from starting in their homes and to know what to do if a fire is detected.
Reduce fire risks in the home
Always stay in the kitchen when cooking – unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Keep a close eye on anyone drinking alcohol who attempts to cook or smoke.
Encourage smokes to smoke outside the home (and outside the garage), and ensure all smoking materials are thoroughly extinguished in water or sand.
Never leave a room where a candle is burning.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Extension cords should only be used as a temporary expedient. Avoid running electrical cords under rugs, which can damage cords and cause a fire.
Ensure any item that can burn is at lease one metre away from a space heater.
Do not attempt to sterilize or decontaminate face masks in the microwave. Various fabric or metal components can overheat and create sparks, potentially causing a fire.
Ensure your alarms work
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Only if an alarm is working can it give you that vital early warning you need to escape your home safely in case of emergency.
Practice your home fire-escape plan
Ensure everyone knows two ways out of each room, if possible.
All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
Designate someone to be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone else requiring assistance to escape. Choose a meeting place outside – such as a tree or lamppost – where everyone can be accounted for.
Call the fire department from outside the home (from a cell phone or a neighbour's home). Once outside, stay out – never re-enter a burning building.
Residents of an apartment or high-rise building are advised to talk to the building superintendent to learn about the emergency procedures in the building's fire-safety plan.
