Spring into spring cleaning

April 18, 2020 11:00 a.m.
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service’s guide to a safe home during COVID-19
 
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, more people are staying home and practising physical distancing. As we adjust to this “new normal,” it is important to ensure fire prevention and general safety precautions are not overlooked.
 
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has the following tips for residents to keep in mind while at home:
 
  • To help prevent fires, keep flammable items away from the stove and stay in the kitchen when cooking.
  • Before you fire up the barbecue, make sure you clean it properly by removing built-up grease and debris. Check the propane tanks and lines for leaks and always remember to position the grill well away from combustible objects. Never leave a lit grill unattended. 
  • If you haven’t done so already, change the batteries and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure it is in a visible, easily accessible place and check the gauge to ensure the yellow arrow is pointing in the green section.
  • While you are home and practising physical distancing, it is a good time to get everyone involved in home safety. Review your home escape plan so everyone knows what to do if the fire alarm sounds. Your plan should identify all possible exits from every room, including doors and windows, and a meeting spot outside.
  • If your plans include spring cleaning, use cleaning products as directed. Never mix cleaning agents and keep these items out of the reach of children and pets. Check fuel containers for leaks and make sure any paint, pool and yard chemicals are safely stored; and when finished using any of these substances, follow their instructions for safe disposal.
  • Take some time to maintain your appliances. Check and clean filters above the stove and change the furnace filter. It is also important to pull out the fridge to vacuum or dust the coils and move your dryer to check and clean its vent. Don’t forget to clean the dryer’s lint filter between each load.
  • Residents looking to clean up their property can put their leaf and yard waste out for collection beginning the week of April 21. Pick up will be every second week on the same day as regularly scheduled garbage pick-up. Depending on the service area, collection will begin the week of April 21 (yellow zone) or April 28 (blue zone). 
Due to volume, collection may be slower than usual – residents are encouraged to leave leaf and yard waste out into the following day if it is not picked up. Visit vaughan.ca/waste for leaf and yard waste program details and requirements.
 
The City asks that large or bulky items, such as furniture, be held and not placed outside for pick-up to help collectors manage the additional garbage volumes during this time.
 
It is not recommended to burn leaf and yard waste on your property. However, if you want to do so in your backyard, you will need to do the following: 
 
These are just some of the many safety precautions that can help keep you and your family safe at home. For more information about fire tips and prevention, visit vaughan.ca/fire.
 
Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
For more information about City matters, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca.
 
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
 
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