Fire Safety Tips
Smoke Detectors
- All rental properties shall be equipped with a smoke detector in every room used for sleeping (OCO Section PM-308.1).
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area.
- Test detectors every month, following the manufacturer's directions, and replace batteries once a year, or whenever a detector "chirps" to signal low battery power.
- Never "borrow" a smoke detector's battery for another use—a disabled detector can't save your life.
- Replace detectors that are more than 10 years old.
Smoking and Safety
- Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in North America.
- Smoking in bed or when you are drowsy could be deadly.
- Provide smokers with large, deep non-tip ashtrays and soak butts with water before discarding them.
- Before going to bed or leaving home after someone has been smoking, check under and around cushions and upholstered furniture for smoldering cigarettes.
Cooking Safety
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear clothes with short, rolled-up or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
- Turn pot handles inward on the stove where you can't bump them.
- If grease catches fire in a pan, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Leave the lid on until cool.
- NEVER throw water on steaming or burning grease.
Cool a Burn
- Run cool water over a burn for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Never put butter or any grease on a burn.
- Never use ice.
- If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor immediately.
Space Heaters
- Keep portable heaters and space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from anything that can burn.
- Keep children and pets away from heaters, and never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed.
Use Electricity Safely
- Do not overload extension cords or run them under rugs.
- If an electrical appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately, then have it serviced before using it again.
- Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed.
- Don't tamper with your fuse box or use improper-size fuses.
When Not to Fight a Fire
- The fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started.
- You can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit.
- The fire can block your only escape.
- You don't have adequate fire-fighting equipment.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
All rental units shall be supplied with a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen. (OCO Section PM-705.4.1)
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
- Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
- Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover the area of the fire.