Have you practised your home escape plan?

An emergency can happen anywhere at any time – even at home. In an emergency, every second counts, so it’s important to make sure everyone in your household knows what to do. Making and practising a home escape plan (PDF) can prepare everyone for the worst-case scenario. 

Follow these steps from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) to protect yourself and your loved ones: 

• Draw your home’s floor plan, including all doors, windows and stairs for each level, and note any features that could help you escape, such as a garage or a balcony. 
• Mark at least two escape routes from each room so if the door is blocked, you know another way out. 
• Establish a meeting spot outside where firefighters can see you – such as a street sign or mailbox. A meeting place allows you to safely call 9-1-1 count everyone to inform firefighters if anybody is still inside. Never go back into a burning building.
• Review the plan with everyone in your household at least twice a year and walk through the escape routes for each room. 

If someone in your household is elderly or has a medical, mental health or physical condition that would require help getting to safety, VFRS has a free voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry. First responders reference this registry during an emergency so they know to provide special assistance to those who need it. You can sign up annually online to have your loved ones added to the list.

More fire safety tips

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms save lives. To ensure your alarms are always ready in case of an emergency, follow these essential tips:

• Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• Test your hardwired alarms. They have a battery backup for power outages that should be checked and replaced.

• Replace your CO alarms every five to 10 years and your smoke alarms every 10 years – they do expire and will have a date clearly marked on them.

• Consider combination smoke and CO alarms so you have less devices to test and maintain.

• If possible, use interconnected smoke alarms – when one alarm sounds, they should all sound throughout your home.

• If you have a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or storage garage, be sure to install CO alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas. As of Jan. 1, 2026, this is a requirement under the Ontario Fire Code. 

• Use special alarms with strobe lights or bed shakers for those who are hearing impaired.

• Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so gently vacuum alarms every six months using a soft brush. Never vacuum electrically connected alarms unless you shut off the power. Test your unit when you are finished cleaning. 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms.

• Mount smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall – no more than 30 centimetres (12 inches) from the ceiling and away from corners. Don’t install alarms near windows, doors or ducts because a draft can interfere with their operation – so can painting or placing decorations over an alarm.

Remember, your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms regularly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds. It’s also important to know the difference between the low-battery warning, end-of-life warning and emergency alarm sounds – consult your smoke and CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions.

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

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