According to the Government of Ontario, adults over the age of 65 years old are more likely to suffer from fatalities caused by fire than any other age group. The reason being that many smokers at that age smoke in their living area or bedroom while sleepy. Those burning cigarettes or ashes can ignite furniture/bedding or clothing. Another scenario for many older adults may be that people will reach over a hot burner on the stove and ignite clothing.
Fire safety tips
If you smoke use large, deep ashtrays.
If anyone in the home smokes, smoke outside. Never smoke in bed.
Don’t reach for danger! Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don’t reach over a hot burner. Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
Always blow out candles before leaving the room.
Ensure items that can burn are one metre away from space heaters.
Avoid overloading the electrical outlets. Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection.
Avoid running cords under rugs, which can damage the cord and cause a fire.
Install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the battery once a year, or whenever the low-battery warning sounds.
Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan and practice your escape! Develop a home fire escape plan or refer to your building’s fire safety plan.
Know your local emergency number. It may be 9-1-1 or the fire department’s phone number.
Consider flameless candles for ambiance and backup lighting in the event of a power outage.
If you have pets, it is always important to ensure their safety as well in the case of a fire or to prevent any from occurring!
Helpful tips for pets
Extinguish open flames. Pets are curious and certainly not cautious. Wagging tails haphazardly knock over candles.
Replace glass water bowls with metal or plastic. Outside on wooden decks, they can heat up and actually start a fire.
Store leashes and collars near the entrance of your home. When away, have your pets in the main living area for easy rescue.
Secure young pets when away from home. This can help avoid fire hazards. Pet kennels or in a pet-proofed room are options.
Fire alert window clings help firefighters identifying the room your pets are located and identify the number of pets in the home. Add one to the window of the room you keep your pets when you are away. Keep it updated with the number of pets residing with you and your current phone number.
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