Fire Prevention and Education

We provide engaging education and training programs for schools and community groups of all ages.

Fire Station Tours: Explore the fire station and meet your local firefighters.
Safety Presentations: Select from a range of fire safety topics tailored to your audience.
Fire Truck Visits: Learn about the different fire trucks and the tools we use to fight fires.

To request a program, please contact the Fire Department.

Tips for Preventing Barn Fires

Install protective covers over light bulbs and electrical outlets to keep out dust and moisture
Store oily rags in metal containers, preferably with lids
Give heat lamps and space heaters at least 3 feet of space from combustibles
Use a deep, sturdy ash tray (like a metal pail filled with sand) to discard cigarette butts
Rodents can chew and damage wires; set traps or get some good old fashioned barn cats!

During Harvest Time

Farm equipment gets hot and can spark a field fire, consider installing fire extinguishers on all your tractors, combines, and utility vehicles.

Main Ignition Sources of Barn Fires

1. Electrical

Such as Extension Cords and Damaged Wiring

2. Heating Equipment

Such as Space Heaters and Flux Pipes

3. Open Flame

Such as Cutting, Welding and Smoking

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odourless gas. It occurs when fuels such as propane, gasoline, or wood do not burn completely.

Examples of appliances that may produce carbon monoxide include fireplaces, hot water heaters, furnaces, stoves, barbecues, generators and vehicles.

Help Prevent Carbon Monoxide in your Home

Follow these steps to prevent a carbon monoxide leak in your home:

Have all fuel-burning appliances serviced once a year by a licensed contractor.
Make sure vents and chimneys are not blocked.
Do not use a portable fuel-burning appliance inside (BBQ's, generators).
Do not run vehicles in attached garages. Start the vehicle and move it outside.

Where to Install CO Alarms?

Carbon monoxide alarms are required outside bedrooms and on every level if

you have a fuel fired appliance in your home

you receive air from a fuel fired appliance outside your home or

you have an attached garage.

Many people believe carbon monoxide sinks low to the ground, like natural gas or propane. Carbon Monoxide actually disperses evenly throughout a room, because it has almost the same density as air. That is why CO alarms can be installed up on the celling, low on a wall, or somewhere in between. Avoid installing CO alarms in corners, as these areas get minimal air flow compared to the rest of the room.

What do I do if the CO Alarm Sounds?

Carbon monoxide alarms use 4 quick beeps to alert the presence of CO. Get out of the house immediately and call 9-1-1 once you are safely outside.If the alarm beeps once followed by a long pause, it is indicating either a low battery, or that the alarm is expired.

Maintenance

Check the manufacturer's instructions for full maintenance information. In general;

Test alarms once a month

Change the batteries twice a year (some CO alarms have a sealed lithium-ion battery that does not need changing)

Replace expired alarms (7 to 10 years depending on the type of alarm)

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms come in several types, including hardwired (electrically connected), battery-operated, or a combination of both. When replacing a smoke alarm, always install the same type as the existing unit, whether battery-operated, hardwired, or combination.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Alarms older than 10 years should be replaced, as smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. Depending on the age of your home, you may also have smoke alarms installed inside individual bedrooms.

For best performance, smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling. Avoid installing them near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or ceiling fans, as these can interfere with proper operation. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button and ensuring the alarm sounds.

If your smoke alarm begins to chirp or beep, replace the battery immediately. Standard batteries should be replaced twice a year, typically when daylight saving time begins and ends. Some newer smoke alarms include a sealed 10-year battery, which does not require replacement during the life of the alarm.

Where to Install

Homes built before 2012. Smoke alarms are required on every level of your home and outside of bedrooms. While houses built before the 2012 Building Code are not required to have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, you may choose to do so to provide better protection for your family
Homes built after 2012. Smoke alarms are required on every level of your home, outside of bedrooms, and inside each bedroom.
Do not install in the kitchen. This is a common myth, but smoke alarms should not be installed in the kitchen. Today’s alarms are designed to be sensitive, and being too close to a stove or toaster will cause the alarm to go off every time you cook. Try installing it the living room instead!

Maintenance

Test your smoke alarms monthly!

Batteries should be changed twice a year, even hardwired smoke alarms!

You want your alarm to work, even when the hydro is out.

Smoke alarms expire 10 years after the manufacture date. You can find this date on the back of your alarm, or some have a “replace by” sticker on the side

Home Safety

Unattended Cooking is the #1 Cause of House Fires

Stay in the kitchen while using the stovetop
Use a timer to frequently check dishes in the oven
Keep the space around the stove clear of items that could catch on fire such as tea-towels, cardboard boxes, or grocery bags
Roll up loose sleeves and tuck in those hoodie strings, loose clothing can catch on fire too
To avoid getting burned, keep 3 feet of space between children and any cooking appliances

Lithium-Ion Batteries, they're in more devices than you think

Lithium-ion batteries are not only used in cars, but also cell phones, power tools, hover boards, even your electric toothbrush!
To prevent overheating, unplug devices once they are fully charged
Devices should be charged on a non-combustible surface, not on beds or couches which can easily ignite
Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous when damaged. Do not throw damaged batteries in the garbage as they can ignite the surrounding materials. Instead, place the damaged battery in a sealed metal container and take directly to the landfill.

Don’t Let a Spark Turn into a Disaster

Replace appliances and charges with exposed wires, don’t try to fix them yourself with duct tape!
Extension cords are designed to be used temporarily (think Christmas lights), extended use can cause them to overheat
Don’t overload circuits! We do not recommend using products such as outlet extenders or power bars as they can pull too much power when full. If you choose to use one, make sure it has surge protection
Appliances such as space heaters, refrigerators, and air conditioners draw a lot of power. Plug them directly into an outlet, not a power bar

Resources

Coming Soon