Enjoy a fire-safe long weekend!

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service shares cooking and cottage tips

Whether you are spending your long weekend with friends and family in the city or at the cottage, remember to keep fire safety top of mind! Relax without worry by following fire prevention tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service.

When you’re cooking, remember to:

• stay in the kitchen. If you must step away from the stove, turn it off and wait for it to cool down. Remove all items from the stovetop when you are finished cooking.

• avoid all distractions and focus on the task in front of you.

• avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing as it can catch on fire. 

• keep flammable items – like oven mitts, cooking utensils, dish cloths, paper towels and potholders – a safe distance from the stove.

• keep pets and young kids away from the stove and turn pot handles away from the stove's edge to avoid them being knocked over accidentally.

• use a heat-resistant surface to cool down hot cookware.

• keep a working ‘ABC’ or ‘BC’ fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

• ensure your home has working smoke alarms and test all alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button.

• develop a home escape plan so everyone in your household knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

In case of a grease or oil fire, smother the flames by completely covering the pan or deep fryer with a large metal lid, cooking sheet or flat tray. Never use water to put out a grease or oil fire – it will cause the fire to spread.

If you use candles, remember to use non-flammable candle holders and place candles where they will not be knocked down, away from paper decorations, tablecloths and napkins. Never leave candles unattended and keep them out of reach of children and pets. A better alternative is to use battery-powered flameless candles or candle warmers. 

Away at the cottage?

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms at least once a month.

• In Ontario, a CO alarm is required on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas in residences with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

• Install a backup CO alarm near any fuel-burning appliance.
• Even if they still make noise, replace your smoke and CO alarms when they expire – every five to 10 years. They will have a date clearly marked on them. The internal sensors become desensitized and don’t detect danger after expiry!
• Check and clean all fuel-burning appliances every year.
• Develop and practise an emergency escape plan (PDF) – establishing all exits, including windows – with everyone staying at your cottage, so they know how to get out in case of a fire. 

For more information and fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire.

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