Practise fire safety this long weekend

As you prepare to spend your long weekend with loved ones, remember – don’t put fire safety on the back burner! Celebrate safely and without worry by following fire prevention tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS).

When you are cooking, remember to:

• stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must step away from the stove, turn it off and wait for it to cool down. Remove all items from the stovetop when you are finished cooking.

• avoid all distractions and focus on the task in front of you.

• avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking as it can catch on fire. 

• keep flammable items – like oven mitts, cooking utensils, dish cloths, paper towels and potholders – a safe distance from the stove.

• keep pets and young kids away from the stove and turn pot handles away from the stove's edge to avoid them being knocked off accidentally.

• use a heat-resistant surface to cool down hot cookware.

• keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

• ensure your home has working smoke alarms and test all alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button.

• develop a home escape plan so everyone in your household knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

In case of a grease or oil fire, smother the flames by completely covering the pan or deep fryer with a large metal lid, cooking sheet or flat tray. Never use water to put out a grease or oil fire – it will cause the fire to spread.

Planning to light candles on your table? VFRS encourages you to always use non-flammable candle holders and place candles where they will not be knocked down, away from paper decorations, tablecloths and napkins. Never leave candles unattended and keep them out of reach of children and pets. A better alternative is to use battery-powered flameless candles. 

Away at the cottage?

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms at least once a month.
• In Ontario, a CO alarm is required in every residence with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas furnace, stove, dryer or fireplace.
• CO alarms are required near each sleeping area.
• It is recommended to have a backup CO alarm near any fuel-burning appliance.
• Replace your smoke and CO alarms when they expire, every five to 10 years. They will have a date clearly marked on them.
• Check and clean all fuel-burning appliances every year.
• Develop and practise an emergency escape plan (PDF) – establishing all exits, including windows – with everyone staying at your cottage, so they know how to get out in case of a fire. 

For more information and fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire. You can also watch a kitchen safety video from VFRS.

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