Recent findings from a fatal fire in Brampton, Ontario has sparked a plea to residents of Saugeen Shores from the Saugeen Shores Fire Department.

The February 14 blaze left three dead and a young girl seriously injured and an investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management revealed that there were no smoke alarms present in the residence.

The Saugeen Shores Fire Department is urging the public to make sure that they have working smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas; and to ensure that they have practiced a home fire escape plan with everyone in their home.

“Early detection and warning of a fire in your home is crucial to your survival,” said Fire Prevention Officer, Rob Atkinson. “The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, our fire department is recommending that you also install a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Larger homes may require additional smoke alarms. It is against the law for anyone to remove the batteries or tamper with an alarm in any way.”

Just as important as having working smoke alarms is making sure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do to escape before a fire occurs. “It is up to you to make sure these types of tragedies do not happen in Saugeen Shores,” continued Atkinson.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can save your life:

• Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of your home according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms wear out over time. Replace alarms according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

Give your family a fighting chance with a home fire escape plan:

• Everyone should know two ways out of each room, if possible.
• All exits must be unobstructed and easy to use.
• If someone in your home has a disability, develop an escape plan with your household 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, such as a tree or a lamp post, where everyone can be accounted for.
• Call the fire department from outside the home, from a cell phone or neighbour’s home.
• Practice your home fire escape plan.
• Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.

If you live in apartment building and you need help to escape:

• Make sure you tell the superintendent or landlord if you need assistance.
• Make sure your name is added to the persons who require assistance list in the fire safety plan, so the fire department knows which apartment you are in.
• Know the emergency procedures outlined in the building’s fire safety plan.

If you are a landlord:

• It is your responsibility to ensure your rental properties have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in compliance with the law.

If you are a tenant of a rental property:

• Contact your landlord immediately if your rental property does not have the required number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.