- Is it safe to use my barbeque in the garage even if the door is open?
Propane or charcoal grills should never be used indoors, and that includes inside the garage. Even if the garage door is open, it still does not allow enough circulation, and carbon monoxide will start to build up in the garage and enter into your home. Also, grease from cooking will accumulate in the ceiling of the garage which can create a dangerous fire hazard. Simply put, propane fuelled cooking appliances should never be used indoors.
- Are electric stoves safer than natural gas stoves?
Both stoves are safe to use, and modern gas stoves have built in safety mechanisms that can prevent natural gas build up in the home. However, the greatest stove-related danger applies to both gas and electric stoves, and that’s from fires starting when people leave cooking unattended.
- Can I plug an appliance into an extension cord?
Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis. Make sure you unplug and safely store them after every use. Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn. Also, make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the tool being used.
- If I have any electrical issues in my home, who can I contact for more information?
The Electrical Safety Authority is the organization with resources and information on electrical issues in Ontario. Their general contact number is 1.877.372.7233.
- What are the top causes of residential fires in Brampton?
Over the past five years there has been a trend where unattended cooking continues to be the number one cause of fires in the home. It includes both cooking on the stove and on barbeques. The other top causes are cutting/soldering activities in the home, clothing dryers and electrical issues.
- If there is a fire in my home, how do I safely escape?
The important factor in escaping a home fire is a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm gives you enough time to be alerted of a fire in your home and escape. The most common injury from home fires comes from smoke inhalation. Also, we highly recommend that you have a home escape plan and your family pick a meeting place outside the front of your home. That way everyone can be accounted for and fire crews can see your family is safe when they arrive.
- What if I get trapped between two walls of flames, or even trapped in a room with fire on the other side?
Many of the “what if” scenarios when it comes to fires in the home are negligible if your home has working smoke alarms on every floor. Smoke alarms give you the time to get out safely and alert you when the fire is still small enough to safely escape.
- What size of fire extinguisher do you recommend for my home?
While extinguishers are a great fire protection tool, we recommend that unless you have been professionally trained to use one you should avoid attempting to put a fire out with an extinguisher. Attempting to put a fire out without any formal training may put you in danger. However, if you have been trained and are comfortable with using one we advise a five-pound ABC type extinguisher kept in a location that is easily accessible.
- Can I use water or baking soda to put out a fire on my stove?
You never want to put water on a cooking fire because it can interact with the grease of the food and cause a much larger fire. Baking soda or other products, such as salt, do not work effectively because you need a very large amount. If you have a fire on your stove you should leave the home immediately and call 9-1-1 from outside.
- Can I put a fire out in my home using a garden hose or a bucket of water?
Never attempt to put out a fire in your home, especially if it is large. There have been cases in Brampton where residents have attempted to put fires out and have been severely injured. Also, not calling 9-1-1 right away will delay the fire crews’ response, which then allows the fire to grow much larger and more dangerous. A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds.
- Are barbecues allowed on apartment balconies?
Article 2.6.3.4. of the Ontario Fire Code reads "Open air burning shall not be permitted unless approved (by the Chief Fire Official), or unless such burning consists of a small confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or a barbecue". The Ontario Fire Code currently does not have any restrictions on where the barbecue can be located. However, the Ontario Propane and Natural Gas codes should also be reviewed as should other jurisdictional requirements such as municipal by-laws and environmental regulations and by-laws.
- Where can I find more information on using fireworks in Brampton?
- Where can I find more information on second units in residential homes?