Fire Prevention and Public Education

Barbeque Safety

Would it truly be summer without the flavours of the grill? Barbeques are a popular choice for preparing the perfect summer meal. To keep you and your family safe this summer, please remember the following grilling safety tips:

• When buying a barbeque, chose one that contains a CSA or ULC label. Follow all manufacturers instructions and have it repaired by qualified professionals.
• Before using, check that the burners, tubes under the burners, and flexible hoses are clean and are in good condition.
• Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.
• Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clean burner ports and make sure they are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
• Look at the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace it if cracked or damaged.

Storm Safety

Summer weather is not always sunshine and nice temperatures. Storms and natural disasters can sometimes occur without warning and can have a devastating effect on you and your home. You can greatly reduce the risk of fires and injury by being able to identify potential hazards and following these safety tips:

• When a threat of dangerous weather approaches, get to cover immediately.
• Generators are often used during power outages. Ensure you are maintaining your generator all year round so it is ready to go in the event of a power outage.
• Be aware of and avoid downed power lines. Assume all lines on the ground are electrically charged.
• If your home has sustained flood damage, if safe to do so, turn of the main breaker or fuse box to the house.
• Maintain a 72-hour emergency kit for you and your family.

Summer Home Safety

Home fire safety does not just apply to the summer months. Home fire safety is important year-round. But here at Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services, we want to help keep you safe this summer.

• Make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Test them monthly and replace the batteries in the spring and fall when you change your clock.
• Develop and implement a home escape plan. Practice your home escape plan with all family members.
• Identify a safe meeting place outside in the event of an emergency. Practice meeting at your family meeting place when practicing your home escape plan.
• Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.
• Always blow candles out before leaving the room. Never leave a candle unattended. Remember, battery operated candles are a lot safer than open fire lit candles.

Opening the Cottage

There's nothing like breaking away for a weekend at the cottage. Remember, fire safety is just as important at the cottage as it is at home!

• Have working smoke alarms outside any designated sleeping room and on each floor of the cottage. Bring spare batteries with you when you open the cottage to change the batteries in the smoke alarms.
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your cottage if it has a fuel-burning appliance.
• Inspect power lines leading to the cottage to ensure they haven't been damaged over the winter. Keep an eye out for trees on the power lines.
• Have all propane appliances serviced by a qualified technician before using them.
• Have fire extinguishers readily available within the cottage. It is recommended to use a minimum 10lb ABC extinguisher for your cottage.
• Develop and practice a cottage fire escape plan. Have a safe meeting place for all family members in the event of an emergency.

Campfire Safety 

With the weather climbing to the double digits, campfires are a fun family activity. Enjoy a safe campfire by following these campfire safety tips:

• Build your campfire where it will not spread. Keep it away from buildings, vegetation, bushes, trees and property lines.
• Never build a campfire on a windy day. Sparks and embers can travel great distances.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Have a water source nearby.
• Maintain your campfire at ground level.
• Remember, a burn permit is required for open air burning.