Home Safety

It's a fact that many fire deaths are caused by people attempting to cook or smoke while under the influence of alcohol.

Unfortunately, their families are often victims as well. Alcohol and fire are a dangerous mix. A lit cigarette dropped on the couch or a forgotten pan of grease on the stove could mean disaster for you and your family. If someone in your household cooks or smokes while intoxicated, you must be aware of the risk. Keep a watchful eye on drinkers and make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home.

A message from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and the Pickering Fire Services. 

There's nothing cosier than the warm glow of candlelight, but did you know that candles are one of the leading causes of fire? The Pickering Fire Services asks you to please take care when using candles in your home.

Keep lit candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces and if possible, place a glass chimney or shade over it. Candles can easily be knocked over, so keep them out of the reach of children and pets, and away from anything that can burn. Be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

While all other major causes of fire are on the decline, fires caused by candles increased 47% between 1995 and 2001. By comparison, fires caused by cooking decreased 41% during the same period.

In order to prevent future tragedies the Pickering Fire Services requests that you follow these safety tips to ensure the safe use of smoking materials.

Never smoke in bed
It's just too easy to fall asleep.

Don't smoke if you're drowsy
…Especially if you're sitting down in a comfortable chair or if you've been drinking or taking prescription drugs. Check between the cushions for any smokers items that may have fallen into the cracks.

Don't leave a lit cigarette
…Or a cigar or pipe. They can easily overbalance as they burn down, land on a carpet, newspaper or between sofa or armchair cushions, and start a fire.

Use a proper ashtray
Make sure it can't be easily knocked over and avoid a build-up of ash and debris.

Dispose of your ashes safely
Put your ashes in the toilet before going to bed.

Don't leave matches or lighters unattended
Children love them. And every year children die starting fires with matches and lighters they shouldn't have had. It doesn't take more than a couple of minutes for a child left on their own to start a fire.

The Pickering Fire Services reminds you to watch your ashes when cleaning them from your wood stove or fireplace. 

Many house fires have been caused by hot ashes placed into combustible containers.

Ashes should be left to cool, then emptied into a metal container with a tight lid and stored outside. Don't give fire a place to start.

A message from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and the Pickering Fire Services.

Did you know that cooking is the number one cause of home fires? Most kitchen fires occur because people get distracted and leave their cooking unattended on the stove.

Your fire department asks you to keep a close eye on your cooking. If a pot catches fire, slide a lid over the pot to smother the flames, then turn off the stove. And always wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking. A dangling sleeve can easily brush against a hot burner and catch fire.

A message from the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and the Pickering Fire Services.