Fire Prevention Frequenty Asked Questions

WHAT KIND OF SMOKE DETECTOR   SHOULD I BUY?

The Fire Department cannot recommend specific manufacturers. We do recommend that electrical smoke alarms (hard wired), be C.S.A. approved, and that any battery operated smoke alarm be U.L.C. approved. More Information.

WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL THE SMOKE ALARM?

A)  Between each sleeping area and the remainder of the building.
B)  Where a sleeping area is served by a hallway, install the detector in the hall.
C)  Install the detector on or near the ceiling in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions.

MY SMOKE ALARM GOES OFF A LOT. WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT?

• First clean the unit with a vacuum cleaner. Dust particles can and often do set off false alarms.
• Second the unit may need to be relocated. It could be too close to the kitchen, bathroom, heat register or it could be defective and need to be replaced. Consult the installation instructions.

MY SMOKE ALARM BEEPS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT?

The problem is usually a weak or improper battery. Replace with a fresh battery as recommended by the manufacturer.

ARE ANY SMOKE ALARMS NOT RECOMMENDED?

Early models of smoke alarms made under the brand name of "Centurion" were recalled. Always check for C.S.A. or U.L.C. approval.

WHAT TYPE AND SIZE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER SHOULD I HAVE?

The recommended extinguisher for home use is a "Dry Chemical" type, generally type 2A-10BC.

WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

Store your extinguisher away from the stove, near the entrance to the kitchen. Mount the extinguisher on the bracket that is supplied with the extinguisher. In your workshop, mount the extinguisher away from power tools, near the exit.

CAUTION: Never put yourself or anyone else in jeopardy by trying to extinguish a fire which may be too large ... Sound an alarm to other occupants, leave the building closing all doors behind you, call the Fire Department (9-1-1). Go to your designated meeting place and wait for the Firefighters to arrive.

NEVER GO BACK INTO A BURNING BUILDING!

ARE THE CONTENTS OF A DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER TOXIC?

No. Dry chemical extinguishers are usually filled with Mono-ammonium phosphate. This a non-toxic substance, however, large amounts of this powder in the air can cause breathing difficulties. Leave the area after discharging a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Call the Fire Department (9-1-1) .. to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY EXTINGUISHER RECHARGED?

After each use, or if the gauge shows a loss of pressure.

HOW DO IS USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

Always follow manufacturers instructions as listed on the extinguisher

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Operate the extinguisher in an upright position
• Remove the safety pin
• Aim at the base of the fire from the distance recommended by the manufacturer
• Squeeze the handle
• Use a sweeping motion

Call the Fire Department immediately! (9-1-1) ... ( follow link to "Fire Escape Planning" in PUBLIC EDUCATION section).

WHERE CAN I BUY OR SERVICE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER?

Refer to the "Yellow Pages" of the phone directory for servicing companies. Most hardware outlets and extinguisher servicing companies have extinguishers for sale which are suitable for home use.

WHERE SHOULD I STORE MY PROPANE TANK?

All propane tanks should be stored outside or in a detached shed, protected from the elements and at least 10 feet from any openings to the building. (basement windows, doors, vents etc...)

HOW DO I DISPOSE OF AN OLD PROPANE TANK?

Take all expired propane tanks back to an outlet that refills them. Do not keep them around your home or garage and do not include them with your regular refuse pick-up.

HOW HIGH DO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LADDERS REACH?

Approximately 6 stories for Aerial ladders and 7 stores for the Aerial platforms. It is dependent on how close the apparatus can get to the building, and if there is underground parking which will restrict fire apparatus due to their weight.

HOW LONG SHOULD EMERGENCY POWER LAST?

It is dependent on the building and how the emergency power is supplied. Most newer buildings have emergency generators which will give continuous uninterrupted lighting in stairwells and hallways and other buildings will have battery operated systems which provide lighting for a defined time period. Under the Building Code, emergency power must last long enough for occupants to safely leave the building. (1/2 to 2 hours)

WHY CAN'T I USE THE ELEVATORS DURING A FIRE ALARM?

• Elevators could become a smoke shaft during a fire
• The power could fail leaving you trapped in the elevator car
• The door could open at the fire floor exposing you to extreme heat and smoke
• Firefighters need the elevator to transport manpower and equipment to the upper floors as quickly as possible

WHY ARE THERE LETTERS ON THE STAIRWELL DOORS?

These letters are part of the building Fire Safety Plan. They identify the stairwells to the occupants for use when directed by fire department or supervisory personnel when building evacuation is required. (i.e. .. would the residents of the 8th floor please leave the building using stairwell "A"). These letters are also used by firefighters to identify which stairwell is going to be used for evacuation of occupants and which stairwell is to be used to remove smoke from the building during firefighting operations.

HOW CLOSE SHOULD MY DRAPES COME TO AN ELECTRIC BASEBOARD HEATER?

The rule of thumb is not closer than 2 inches. Many manufacturers of heaters have recommended distances to be observed when using their products.

CAN DISPOSABLE PROPANE CYLINDERS BE STORED INDOORS?

No. Like larger cylinders, they should be stored outside or in a separate shed not within 10 feet of any opening to the building. (Basement windows, doors, vents etc...)

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