Fire Safety & Prevention

• Continuous alarm: This means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• Single chirp or 3 rapid beeps every 30-60 seconds means Low battery replace the battery immediately.
• Persistent chirping continues after battery change: Alarm has reached end of life. Install a new unit.

• Test smoke and CO alarms monthly by pressing the test button and listening for the beep.
• Replace alarm batteries once a year or whenever the low-battery chirp sounds.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper placement.
• Test alarms monthly using the test button.
• Replace batteries at least once a year or when you hear a low-battery chirp.
• Replace alarms every 10 years as they don’t last forever.
• Steam from cooking or showers can trigger alarms. Don’t remove the battery and move the alarm or use one with a hush feature.

For more tips, visit the Ontario Fire Marshal's website.

• Smoke & CO Alarms: Test monthly and replace if over 10 years old.
• Escape Plan: Practice your home escape plan and set a meeting spot outside.
• Never Go Back In: Your safety comes first! Items can be replaced, you can't.
• Kitchen Safety: Stay with your cooking don’t leave it unattended.
• Fire Extinguishers: Keep them in easy-to-reach spots, not under the sink.
• BBQs & Fire Pits: Keep them well away from your home and anything flammable.

Cooking continues to be one of the leading causes of residential fires in Midland and across Ontario. Stay alert and practice these safe cooking habits:

• Watch what you heat. Never leave the kitchen while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burns.
• Keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire.
• Create a kid free zone. Keep children and pets at least one metre away from stoves, ovens, and grills.
• Microwave or oven fire? Keep the door closed, turn off the power, and ventilate the area.

If a fire breaks out and you are in danger, alert everyone in the home, evacuate immediately, and call 911 from a safe location.

From e bikes and scooters to power tools and cell phones, lithium ion batteries are becoming part of our daily lives but they also pose a growing fire risk if damaged, overcharged, or used improperly.

Stay safe with these tips:

• Use only manufacturer approved chargers and cords designed for your specific device.
• Charge batteries on hard, flat surfaces away from beds, couches, and flammable materials.
• Never leave batteries charging unattended or overnight.
• Stop using batteries that are swollen, leaking, or overheating.
• Store batteries at room temperature and avoid extreme heat or cold.
• Dispose of batteries properly. Take damaged or old lithium ion batteries to a local recycling depot. Never place them in household garbage or blue bins.

If you suspect a battery is overheating or smoking, move it outside if safe to do so and call 911 immediately.