BRAMPTON, ON (April 1, 2019) – Following Saturday’s tragic fatal fire, the first in Brampton since 2017, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to make sure that they have working smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas, and to practise a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.
Tomorrow afternoon, Brampton's Fire Chief Bill Boyes and the Brampton Fire team will be knocking on doors to help spread this message in the community.
Below are home fire prevention and safety tips from Brampton Fire:
Simple smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of your home according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Change the batteries every year.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Simple steps for home fire escape planning include: • Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
• All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
• If someone in your home has a disability, develop a home fire escape plan with your household that takes into account their unique needs. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone who needs assistance to escape.
• Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
• Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or a neighbour’s home.
• Practise your home fire escape plan.
• Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
For people who live in apartment buildings and need assistance to escape:• Tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance.
• Add your name to the ‘persons who require assistance’ list in the fire safety plan, so the fire department knows which apartment you are in.
• Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.
Quote“This weekend we experienced our first fatal fire since 2017. On behalf of Brampton Fire and the City of Brampton, I want to extend our condolences to the family, friends and all those impacted by this tragic fire, including our firefighters. I urge all residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas. Fires move fast and you may have less than 60 seconds to safely escape. Early warning is crucial to survival and only working smoke alarms save lives.”
-
Fire Chief Bill BoyesFor more fire safety information, visit
www.bramptonfire.com, or follow Brampton Fire on Twitter
@BramptonFireES