Fire Safety
The City of Brantford's Fire department provides fire and emergency services. If there is a live fire or this is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Safety tips
Follow these safety tips to prevent fires and injuries in your home.
Apartment safety |
It is important to take fires and fire drills in your building seriously. You must act quickly and follow the correct evacuation steps. In case of fire:
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Around your house |
Follow these everyday fire prevention tips:
To keep safe in an emergency, make a fire escape plan for your house. |
Barbecues on apartment balconies |
If your apartment's rental agreement or by-law prohibits barbeques, you must follow these rules. If they are permitted use a service elevator to transport propane cylinders if available. In the absence of a service elevator, you should take the cylinder in an empty elevator car. Learn more about technical safety standards. |
Candle safety |
Burn candles responsibly and learn about candle safety concerns. Follow our candle safety tips to prevent fires:
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Children and fire |
Never let your children play with fire. Teach your child about the dangers of fire. Child safety tips:
Contact the Brantford Fire department to help your child learn more about fire safety. |
Home escape planning |
You should create a home escape plan for your house. Use our fire escape guide to create one today. Begin by marking all exit doors and windows. If you practice following the evacuation plan, you will know what to do during an actual fire emergency. |
Fire extinguishers |
Keep a portable fire extinguisher in your house. Only use if it is safe to do so and the fire department has been contacted. How to use a fire extinguisher:
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Smoke alarms |
Under the Ontario Fire Code, smoke alarms are required on every level of your home. If you live in a rental unit, please contact your landlord for smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are an easy way to detect fires in your house. Replace smoke alarms as directed by the manufacturer. If the smoke alarm has batteries, change them twice per year. Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly. |
Seasonal fire safety |
Spring fire safety:
Summer safety:
Fall safety:
Winter safety:
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Wood stoves |
Follow these fire safety tips:
You should hire a professional technician to install your stove and chimney and to inspect them annually. |
Carbon monoxide
Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it.
Beeping carbon monoxide alarm |
Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1 - Map of instructions of what to do when a carbon monoxide alarm is beeping Follow this guide to assess the situation when a carbon monoxide alarm is on.Are people in the home showing signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning? YES:
NO:
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What creates carbon monoxide? |
The incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal or wood Figure SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1 - Map of instructions of what to do when a carbon monoxide alarm is beeping |
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning |
You may experience flu-like symptom such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, burning eyes, confusion and even loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can cause brain damage and even death. Older adults, children, people with heart or respiratory conditions and pets may be more susceptible to it, and feel the effects earlier than others. |
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide |
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After a fire
It is very important to return to your regular routine after a fire. This can take a long time, depending on the severity of your loss, injuries and damages.
After a fire, take the following steps to get started:
- Visit a medical professional if you have any injuries.
- Be aware that smoke inhalation can cause persistent cough, wheezing, vomiting, high, or breathing difficulty. Call or see a medical professional if you are concerned.
- Call your insurance company about damages. Remember to make a list of all the damaged goods for an insurance claim.
- Call your landlord or mortgage institution about damages.
- Find community centres that provide shelter, food, childcare and counseling, if you need them.
- Once it is safe to enter the house, collect personal items with help from the fire department.
- Secure and lock your property.
- Don't consume any food or beverages from the house, as it may contain soot or other contaminants.
- Replace your damaged documents such as passports and birth certificates.
- Seek any professional help that you need. The sooner you get your life back on track, the better.