The Wrenford Fire Service is reminding residents to take extra care with heating equipment as we move from fall into winter. After responding to a handful of home heating fires over the past few weeks, Fire Prevention officers are sharing simple steps to keep you and your home safe.
Portable space heaters are a common cause of house fires. To stay safe, keep all flammable items like paper, bedding, and furniture at least one metre away from the heater. Always place the unit on a solid, flat surface and never run the power cord under rugs or across doorways. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet instead of using an extension cord or power strip. Make sure you turn the heater off before you go to bed or leave the house.
"Residents often rely on portable heaters to stay warm during the cold months, but they can quickly start a fire if they are not used properly," says Deputy Fire Chief Simon Hartley. "Taking just a few minutes to check your equipment and keep a clear safety zone around it goes a long way toward preventing a tragedy."
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are your first line of defence. Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Install a carbon monoxide alarm wherever required by the Ontario Building Code. Test your alarms every month and replace the batteries once a year. If your alarms are interconnected, they will all sound when one detects smoke. Make sure your household has a home escape plan and that everyone knows two ways out of every room.
As temperatures drop, it is also a good time to review your emergency preparedness. Check your home emergency kit, test your carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure your water pipes are insulated against freezing. For more information on preparing for extreme weather and winter emergencies, visit our snow and ice emergency preparedness page.
For a full list of home fire safety tips, visit the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms page. If you need help planning for emergencies, check out our emergency preparedness and planning guide.
You can reach the Wrenford Fire Service at Fire Station 1, 210 Water Street, or call 519-555-0115 during business hours. For all other non-emergency services, dial 311 or call 519-555-0100.