Supporting Vaughan’s most vulnerable in an emergency
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Vaughan
Fire and Rescue Service provides tips to keep the whole family safe
Emergencies can happen anywhere and any time. It is important
that you and everyone in your household are prepared. This includes members of
the community who may need extra assistance in the event of a fire.
Did you
know Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) offers a free voluntary Vulnerable Persons
Registry?
If someone in your household is elderly or has a medical, mental health or
physical condition that would require help getting to safety, fill out the
application to get them added to the list. First responders reference the
registry during an emergency, so they know to provide special assistance to
those who need it. Be sure to update this information annually and update VFRS
if that person no longer resides at the location on record.
Keeping
fire safety top of mind is important and the best way to do that is by creating
and practicing a home escape plan (PDF). This can
prepare your family for the worst-case scenario. Here’s how:
- Draw your home’s floor plan, including all doors, windows and stairs for each level, and note any features that could help you escape, such as a garage or a balcony.
- Mark at least two escape routes from each room so if the door is blocked, you know another way out.
- Make sure everyone in your house knows where to meet outside – a street sign or a mailbox, for example – to call 911 and wait while the fire department arrives. A meeting place will allow you to count everyone and inform firefighters if anybody is still inside. Never go back into a burning building.
For more
information and fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire or watch the City’s video on how to make a home escape plan.
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