Tips on how to survive the holidays

North Bay Fire Department
News Release

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Tuesday December 4, 2007 – Following the deaths of eleven people in fires throughout Ontario since November 1, 2007, North Bay Fire & Emergency Services Fire Chief Ted McCullough is urging all residents of North Bay to install and check their smoke alarms.

“It’s the law in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas,” says Ted McCullough. “This number of fire fatalities in such a short period of time is extremely troublesome. People must have working smoke alarms to receive the early warning needed to escape a fire.”

While these fires occurred in various locations, including Mississauga, Oshawa, Toronto and Parkhill, the victims clearly did not have sufficient warning of the fire to escape.

“I don’t want anyone in North Bay to face a fire tragedy this holiday season,” added Chief McCullough. “The fact that these fires occurred in different cities across the province shows how fires can happen anywhere, at anytime. People need to protect their families and homes.”

Working smoke alarms must be installed on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $100,000.

In addition to maintaining your working smoke alarms, North Bay Fire & Emergency Services reminds you to have a safe festive season by following these simple fire safety tips:
• Always stay in the kitchen when something is cooking on the stove;

• Place lit candles away from anything that can burn and out of the reach of children and pets where they can’t be knocked over. Remember to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed;

• Drink responsibly. Many fire deaths are caused by people attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol;

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan so that everyone in your home knows what to do if the smoke alarms sound.

For more information on preventing home fires and other fire safety issues, contact North Bay Fire & Emergency Services at 474-5662.

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