Fire Prevention

Many fire deaths are caused by people attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol and fire are a dangerous mix.

Keep a close eye on any drinkers in your household and if they smoke, make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished before going to bed.

Cigarettes can smolder among upholstery cushions for hours before igniting. Check sofas and chairs for cigarettes that may fall between the cushions.

Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. If occupants smoke in the bedrooms, install smoke alarms inside the bedrooms as well.

Test smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries at least once per year.

If there is a fire in your apartment:

• Tell everyone in your apartment to leave.
• Close all doors behind you.
• Pull the fire alarm on your floor to alert others of the fire.
• Leave the building using the nearest stairway.
• Call the fire department when you are safe.
• Meet the firefighters at the front entrances and tell them where the fire is.

When you hear the fire alarm:

To go or stay – the decision is yours

Most of the time, the best thing to do is to leave the building as soon as possible. In some cases, you may not be able to leave, and you may have to stay in your apartment. In either case, you must act quickly. Whether you stay or go, you must protect yourself from smoke.

If you decide to leave the building, check the door to your apartment. If smoke is entering from around the door, do not open it. Protect yourself from smoke inside your apartment.

• If there is no smoke, brace yourself and open the door a little.
• If you see smoke or feel the heat, close the door quickly and protect yourself.
• If the corridor is clear, take your keys, lock your door and go to the nearest stairway.
• Do not use the elevator.
• Carefully open the nearest stairway door. If there is no smoke, use the stairway to leave the building. If there is smoke, do not enter – close the door, go to another stairway and carefully open that door. If there is no smoke in that stairway, leave the building.
• If there are no stairways that are clear of smoke, return to your apartment and protect yourself from the smoke.
• To protect yourself from smoke in your apartment, place wet towels at the bottom of the door, call 911 and stand by the window. Alert firefighters to your location.
• Remember that firefighters are handling the emergency and will rescue those in immediate danger first.
• If smoke is coming into your unit and you have a balcony, go to the balcony and keep the balcony door closed behind you. Alternatively, go to a room in your apartment that has a window, open the window slightly to get some fresh air. If smoke starts to enter your apartment from the balcony or the window, close the window and move to an area in your apartment that is protected from the smoke. 

Having a backyard or recreational fire is permitted with Cobourg town limits subject to the following conditions:

1.     Such fires must be supervised by a responsible person at all times until such time as the fire is completely extinguished.

2.     Such fires shall be kept small, safely confined and under control at all times.

3.     Such fires shall be kept at least 3m (10 feet) away from property lines, shrubs, overhanging trees or other combustible materials

4.     Such fires shall be kept at least 10m (33 feet) away from any building, structure or other combustible objects.

5.     Outdoor fireplaces shall be placed on a non-combustible surface.

6.     Suitable fire suppression equipment and/or materials shall be readily available at all times.

7.     Use clean and dry wood products only. Brush, yard waste, household garbage, treated/painted lumber, construction debris, plastics, rubber and other similar materials shall not be used to fuel recreational fires.

The setting of recreational fires will not be permitted during periods of drought, poor air quality or high wind conditions.

The Cobourg Fire Department must be notified prior to the ignition of any recreational fire. Please call us at 905-372-9789. 

For more information about recreational or open-air burning, please consult the open-air burning bylaw here.

Many of us enjoy the warm glow and soothing scent of a candle, but for added fire safety, opt for flameless options like battery-operated or LED candles, which are cool to the touch and eliminate fire risks.

If you are using real candles:

• Buy good quality candles that are smoke-free and drip-free.
• Secure candles in a sturdy holder in a location where they can't be knocked over.
• Place a glass shade or hurricane chimney over candles.
• Make sure lit candles are kept out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep all combustible materials, including decorative items and wreaths, away from lit candles.
• When you go out, blow out! Always blow out candles before leaving the room.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible odorless gas that, at high levels, can be deadly. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness and loss of consciousness.

• Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, and natural gas, heating oil or wood have insufficient air to burn completely. This can occur in any appliance or device that burns these fuels such as furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters or stoves.
• Other common producers of carbon monoxide are cars left running in attached garages; barbecues operated inside; chimneys or vents that are dirty or plugged.
• Always follow the manufacturers instructions on the operation, installation and safe use of a device or appliance that uses fuel to operate.
• Prevent carbon monoxide build-up by having furnaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year.
• It’s important to have early notification of the presence of carbon monoxide. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm in the home will alert occupants to the presence of this deadly gas.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas. Additional alarms should be in or adjacent to rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
• If someone in the household is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Call the fire department or 911 from outside the home

The number #1 cause of home fires is unattended cooking!

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking – especially if using oil or high temperatures.
• Never put water on a grease fire. Put a lid on it, shut the stove off and let it cool down before you move the pot.
• Keep a proper-fitting pot lid near the stove when cooking. If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Do not move the pot.
• Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when using the stove. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire. If your clothing catches on fire, stop, drop and roll over and over to put out the fire.
• Keep combustible items such as cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and potholders a safe distance from the stove.
• Cool a burn by running cool water over the wound for three to five minutes. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.

• Air conditioners and other heavy appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet. If this is not possible, use a 14 gauge three-wire grounding-type appliance extension cord, listed for that intended use and ULC certified.
• Avoid overloading a circuit with power bars or adapters. If additional outlets or circuits are required, have them installed by a licensed electrician.
• Check cords for damage such as fraying or nicks. A damaged cord can expose wires and result in a potential shock or fire hazard.
• Avoid running cords under rugs, which can damage the cord and cause a fire.
• Extension cords should be used only as a temporary connection. If permanent wiring is required, have an additional outlet installed by a licensed electrician. Extension cords should not be linked together – use an extension cord that is long enough to do the job.
• All outlets near water should be ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). A GFCI provides split-second electrical protection.
• When replacing a fuse, make sure it is of the right amperage. Substituting a higher amp fuse where a smaller one is required can pose a fire hazard.

Did you know that 7 out of 10 fires in Canada occur at home? Protect your family and home from fire with smoke alarms and by planning your escape. When fire strikes, a planned step-by-step escape route can reduce panic and confusion. Most of all, it can save lives.

1. Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room. 
2. Plan a main escape route and an alternate escape route from each room, especially bedrooms.
3. Arrange an outside meeting place and a safe location to call 9-1-1 The best place to meet is in front of your home, where firefighters will arrive. 
4. Practice your plan. Conduct a fire drill at least once every six months. The best place to start your fire drill is from a bedroom. Sound the alarm and get everyone in the home to participate. In a real fire, you must be prepared to move quickly and carefully without confusion. Don’t rush through the drill. Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do.

• Backyard or neighborhood fireworks displays can be extremely hazardous. Instead attend a professional fireworks display hosted by your municipality and have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge.
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks' packaging.
• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials such as buildings, trees and dry grass.
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• Light one firework at a time. Never light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks.
• Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
• Keep sparklers away from children. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the burn for three to five minutes.
• For more information, please see the firework bylaw here.

Use and storage

Handle lithium-ion batteries carefully. Do not throw, modify or tamper with them. Check for signs of damage, and don't use batteries that:

• are swollen or dented
• have torn, plastic wrappers
• show other signs of damage or wear

Keep your batteries in a safe place, out of sight and reach from children. If you carry batteries with you, keep them in a protective, non-metal case.

Keep batteries stored in a dry location at room temperature. Do not:

• leave batteries out in the sun or in a hot or cold car
• let moisture form on either end of the battery's terminals

Charging

Do not charge your battery for longer than the recommended charging time. Overcharging can cause your battery to overheat, which can lead to fires or explosions.

Charge your device at room temperature where you can see it. Soft surfaces, like a couch or bed, can trap heat around the battery and cause the device to overheat.

Charge your battery before it drops below 30% to help it last longer and work safely. Do not keep it plugged in and charged at 100% for long periods.

Unlike older types of batteries, you do not need to fully discharge lithium-ion batteries. This may actually harm them.

Charge your product away from exit doors in case of fire.

Original and replacement chargers

Use the charger that came with your device. If you need to replace your charger, buy it from a trusted source and make sure the voltage and current are compatible with your device.

Contact the original product manufacturer if you need a replacement charger for higher voltage items like e-bikes, remote control cars and power tools.

Only use chargers that have one of the recognized Canadian certification marks, such as:

• CSA
• cUL
• cETL

Advice for larger battery systems

Some rechargeable products require many powerful lithium-ion battery cells such as:

• large tools
• mobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes
• battery powered lawnmowers and snowblowers
• energy storage systems used to store solar and wind energy

Incidents with these larger and more powerful batteries can be more severe and the fires harder to extinguish.

Use

Use the original lithium-ion batteries that came with your product. Contact the original manufacturer if you need replacement batteries. If you cannot reach the original manufacturer, contact the product retailer.

Bring batteries to room temperature before using them. Do not attempt to charge in below-zero temperatures.

Do not attempt to modify lithium-ion batteries. Modifying lithium-ion batteries can destabilize them and increase the risk of overheating, fire and explosion.

Read and follow any other guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Storage

Store lithium-ion batteries with about a 50% charge when not in use for long periods of time. Check them every 3 months to make sure they haven't lost their charge and charge them back up to 50% if they have.

Store lithium-ion batteries at temperatures between 5 and 20°C in a room with low humidity. If your product has removable batteries, you may need to remove them from the product for storage during hotter or colder months.

Store lithium-ion batteries away from:

• other types of batteries
• flammable or explosive materials

Do not stack heavy objects on top of the boxes containing lithium-ion batteries.

Damaged batteries can cause internal short circuits, which can lead to an explosion.

Disposal

Contact your municipality for instructions on how to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries.

Batteries are considered hazardous waste. Do not place them in household garbage.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/household-products/battery-safety.html

https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/safety-advisories/lithium-batteries-be-aware-what-you-buy

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety (nfpa.org)

• The number 1 cause of fire deaths in Ontario is careless smoking.
• Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
• Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which often contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Use large, deep ashtrays that can't be knocked over.
• Empty ashes into a metal container – not the garbage can – and put it outside.
• If people have been smoking in your home, check behind the chair and sofa cushions for cigarette butts before going to bed.
• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries at least once per year.

Christmas: Fresh Trees

• If buying a fresh tree, it should be dark green, without many yellow needles.
• Store the tree in a bucket of water until you are ready to use it
• Before bringing it into your home, tap the tree to get rid of the loose needles and saw off the last couple of inches off the stem
• Put the tree in a bucket of water that holds at least 2 pints of water, top up the water level daily
• Place the tree indoors in a cool place away from furnace vents, fireplaces and other heat sources

Holiday lighting

• When decorating for the holidays, it's crucial to prioritize fire safety by ensuring all Christmas lights and extension cords are ULC certified. This certification guarantees that the products meet stringent safety standards, significantly reducing the risk of fire.
• Inspect lights for any frayed wires or broken bulbs, and never overload extension cords, as this can lead to overheating. Additionally, avoid running cords under rugs or furniture, and always turn off holiday lights when leaving the house or going to bed. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season.

Halloween

• Only buy costumes, wigs and props labelled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame.
• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, and heaters.
• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution.
• Make sure children are always watched when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of way of trick or treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick or treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
• If your children are going to Halloween parties at other people's homes, have them look for exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.