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)

1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
3. Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
4. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover the area of the fire.