Clarington has seen a 42 per cent increase in fires in 2020 compared to the previous year, said a municipal statement.
Between January and April 2020, Clarington firefighters responded to 49 fires, an increase of 11 fires for the same period in 2019, it added.
“We need to stay vigilant and make fire safety a priority, especially as we all stay home during the course of this pandemic,” said Clarington Fire Chief Gord Weir.
Clarington Emergency and Fire Services reminded residents to stay safe and follow home fire safety tips [below].
“It is imperative that all residents take every precaution to keep their families safe,” added Chief Weir. “Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month and practise your home fire escape plan with your family. There is no better time than now.”
Help prevent kitchen fires:
More fires begin in the kitchen than any other room in the home. In fact, residential cooking is one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths.
- Keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove.
- Avoid loose clothing while cooking. Loose clothing can brush heating elements and easily catch fire.
- Never leave food cooking unattended on the stove.
- Never store frequently used items above the stove where you may be burned reaching to get them.
Practise your home fire escape plan:
- Identify two ways out of every room, if possible.
- Ensure all exits are unobstructed and easy to use.
- If someone in your home has a disability, develop a home fire escape plan that takes into account their unique needs. Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults and anyone who needs assistance to escape.
- Choose a meeting place outside, in front of your home, near a tree or a streetlight, where everyone can be accounted for.
- Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or a neighbour’s home.
- Practise your home fire escape plan throughout the year.
- Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:
- Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month by pressing the test button. Change the batteries every year.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms don’t last forever. Replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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