School is back in session, so study up on fire safety

Whether your kids have recess or are away for college, make sure they know how to protect themselves, writes Andrew Zvanitajs

Thestar.com
Sept. 21, 2022
Andrew Zvanitajs

Whether your kids are attending school for the first time or living away from home, here is what you need to know to help ensure your family has a safe school year.

When driving through school zones, remember to:

• slow down and be ready to stop at all times.
• stop for school buses and be aware of children running in front of or behind buses.
• obey crossing guard signals and yield to pedestrians.

In an emergency, every second matters. Blocked fire hydrants and fire routes can impede emergency fire response, so keep clear of these areas when picking up or dropping off your child from school

If you have a child living away from home while attending a post-secondary institution, here are some tips to help make their accommodations safe

SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

Every home in Ontario must have working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Homes must also have a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm outside all sleeping areas if there is a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace inside.

The homeowner or landlord is responsible for installing and maintaining all alarms. Tell them immediately if an alarm isn’t working or ask them to move an alarm if it’s triggered frequently because of cooking or steam from a shower.

ESCAPE PLAN

Student residences and large apartment buildings will have a fire safety plan, so ensure your child is aware of it. For other types of accommodations, your child can create a plan.

This involves identifying two ways out of every room -- like a door and a window -- and having a meeting place outside. Keep escape routes clear of debris and furniture.

CANDLES

Always use sturdy, non-combustible candle holders. Place candles where they will not be knocked over, and away from flammable objects, like newspapers, curtains and napkins. Blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Flameless candles are a great alternative.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Do not overload outlets. If you must use an extension cord, choose multi-outlet power bars that are CSA/ULC approved, provide surge protection and are the proper gauge for the items plugged into them.

Keep heaters away from anything that can burn and turn them off before leaving home or going to bed.

If you have any concerns about the dwelling, call your local fire department to ask if the building has been inspected for Fire Code compliance.

Visit vaughan.ca/fire for more fire prevention tips, resources and educational videos to help you reduce the risk of fire and learn what to do in an emergency.

Andrew Zvanitajs is the fire chief of the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service.