Fire Prevention and Education | Township of Hamilton

Public Education

child dressed up as fire fighter sits in driver's seat of fire truck

The Township of Hamilton Fire Department is committed to building a safer community by reducing risks to lives and property through emergency response, public education, and prevention activities tailored to local needs and industry trends.

Our Fire Prevention Officer along with our Firefighters will:

Participate in community events with educational displays
Visit local schools and childcare centres to teach fire safety
Go door-to-door to promote the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Offer fire station tours for residents and groups
Deliver tailored fire safety programs for organizations like Scouts, Cubs, and Guides

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Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms save lives. In Ontario, it's the law to have functioning smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Below are some of the most common questions about smoke alarms.

Where do I need to install a smoke alarm in my home?

Ontario law requires that working smoke alarms are installed properly:

On every story of the home.
Outside all sleeping areas.

Avoid installing smoke alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms, or near air vents, windows and ceiling fans.

What should I do if my smoke alarm goes off?

If your smoke alarm goes off, ensure you alert your family members and start your home fire escape plans. Every second counts so get out and stay out!

When should I test and replace my smoke alarms?

Test smoke alarms monthly.
Test the smoke alarm after installing a new battery.
Test smoke alarms upon returning home after an absence of more than a few days.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years with new ones.

How often do I need to change the batteries in my smoke alarm?

Install a new battery once a year or whenever the low battery warning sounds.
If alarm fails to sound when the test button is pressed, install a new battery.
If alarm fails after installing a new battery you will need to purchase a new alarm.

How do I manage nuisance alarms?

Do not remove the battery!
Try moving the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush feature.
Replace alarms near the kitchen or shower with a photoelectric alarm.
If you hear chirping or beeping your alarm may have reached its end of life.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly. Having working carbon monoxide alarms installed properly in your home is not only essential for safety, it’s also required by law.

Do I require a carbon monoxide alarm in my home?

Ontario law requires that you have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home if it contains at least one fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or if you have an attached garage.

Where do I need to install carbon monoxide alarms?

Ontario law requires that working carbon monoxide alarms are installed properly

Install a carbon monoxide alarm outside of each:

Outside sleeping area on each level of your home
in other locations as required by codes, standards, and by-laws
Follow manufacturer's instructions for CO alarm placement.

What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?

Move outdoors or by an open window and account for everyone in your home.
Call 911 from the fresh air location, and remain in the fresh air location until an emergency crew arrives.
Your alarm may sound if the batteries are low or your alarm has reached its expiry date.
Check your batteries! Batteries should be replaced at least once a year.

When should I test and replace my carbon monoxide alarms?

Test carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
Test the carbon monoxide alarm after installing a new battery.
Test carbon monoxide alarms after returning home after an absence of more than a few days.
Replace carbon monoxide alarms every 7-10 years or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

How often do I need to change the batteries in my carbon monoxide alarm?

Install a new battery once a year or whenever the low battery warning sounds.
Know the difference between a low-battery warning and an emergency alarm by consulting the carbon monoxide alarm manufacturer's instructions.

Home Fire Escape Planning

Sit down with everyone in your household and discuss how each person will get out the home in a fire. Consider drawing a floor plan of your home identifying all escape routes from each room.

Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room, if possible.
If a door is blocked by smoke or fire, discuss an alternate escape route such as a window.
Make sure all windows open easily.
Security bars on windows should have quick releasing devices so they can be removed easily.
Help those who need it! Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults, people with disabilities or anyone else who may need assistance.
Get low and go under the smoke to the nearest safe exit. Most fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation.
Choose a meeting place outside, a safe distance from your home. A tree, street or a neighbor's home are good choices. In case of fire everyone should go directly to this meeting place to be accounted for.
Never re-enter a burning building.
Once you have safely escaped, call 9-1-1 from outside your home using a cell phone or from your neighbor's home.
Ensure all family members know your home address.
Practice your escape plan with everyone in your home. Make sure everyone can get out quickly.

Hidden Hazards

Not all fire risks are obvious. Everyday appliances and overlooked areas can pose serious fire hazards if not properly maintained. Below are some practical tips to help you prevent fires in these often-forgotten spaces.

A fire in a fireplace can reach temperatures form 500 to 600 degrees.

The glass doors on a fireplace can get very hot. Teach children to stay at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.

Children can easily lean on or fall on a fireplace screen or glass doors.

For additional protection:

Install a steel fireplace screen that provides a safety zone in front of the glass door.
Install a child guard fence around the fireplace.
Always keep a close eye on children when a fireplace or stove is in use.

Doing the laundry is part of everyday life. Clothes dryer safety can be easy to overlook.

To prevent a clothes dryer fire:

Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
Clean the lint filter before or after every use
Do not overload your dryer
Never leave the dryer unattended.
Turn off the dryer before leaving your home or going to bed
Use proper rigid or flexible metal venting materials

These energy saving light bulbs use less electricity. They contain small trace of mercury within the glass. They require special care.

If a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks:

People and pets should leave the room
Open a window. Allow the room to air out for 5 to 10 minutes
Turn off forced air heating and or air conditioner systems
Collect broken glass and visible powder using a stiff piece of cardboard, tape, or damp paper towel.
Contain debris in a glass jar. Recycle as you would a burned out bulb
Continue to air the room for several hours

Many homes have a utility closet for the water heater and furnace. This space is intended for utilities only and should not be used as a storage closet.

To keep your utility closet safe:

Make sure the closet door has air vents within 12 inches from the floor level and 12 inches from the furnace closet ceiling
Never store household items in the furnace or water heater closet
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the furnace and water heater
Have your furnace inspected annually by a professional

9 Volt Batteries

9 volt batteries are used in smoke alarms and other household items. Many people don't realize they can be a fire hazard. If a metal item touched the two posts of a 9 volt battery, it can cause a short circuit and generate enough heat to start a fire.

Storing 9 volt batteries:

Keep in original packaging until you are ready to use them
Store batteries upright and prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects such as keys, paper clips, coins, or aluminum foil.
Cover posts with masking, duct or electrical tape for storage or disposal
It's a good idea to cover the posts of all batteries

Lithium Ion Batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, also called li-ion batteries, are common in rechargeable products and are safe to use. However, proper handling, storage, and charging is critical to preventing fires. If you are working with or around Li-ion batteries visit the Charged For Life website for safe handling tips.

The Sounds of Fire Safety

The fire services of Northumberland County created this fun and educational video to help you learn The Sounds of Fire Safety. Join Sparky the Fire Dog as he takes on his noisy nemesis, The Alarmist, and teaches viewers how to recognize the sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and what to do when they go off. It’s a great way for families to learn lifesaving tips together!

Fire Won't Wait Plan Your Escape

The fire services of Northumberland County created this fun and educational video to help you learn that Fire Won't Wait Plan Your Escape. Join Sparky the Fire Dog as he takes on his noisy nemesis, The Alarmist, and teaches viewers the importance of home fire escape planning. It’s a great way for families to learn lifesaving tips together!

Cooking Safety Starts with You

The fire services of Northumberland County created this fun and educational video to help you learn that Cooking Safety Starts with You. Join Sparky the Fire Dog as he takes on his noisy nemesis, The Alarmist, and teaches viewers that Cooking Safety Starts with You. It’s a great way for families to learn lifesaving tips together!