Skip to main navigation Skip sub navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer
Where can I buy or service a fire extinguisher?
Caution should always be exercised when working with fire, particularly in the event of strong wind.
How do I use a fire extinguisher?
What are the current Amubulance Rates?
Never leave a fire unattended and always extinguish it completely before retiring.
How do I apply for a Fire Permit?
Content Top

Fire Safety for New Canadians

smoke alarm_closed

smoke alarm_open

SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke alarms save lives by warning you about a fire in your home while there is still time to escape. Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor of your home, including the basement and outside of all sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms once a month and have the batteries replaced at least once a year.

 

If you live in a rental home or apartment, it is the responsibility of the landlord or owner to provide and install smoke alarms and provide batteries for you. If your landlord will not install a smoke alarm for you, please contact our Fire Prevention Division at email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can help.

 

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

Do you know what to do if a fire occurs in your home? Sit down with your family and prepare a family fire escape plan. Be sure to:

 

  • Include all family members in the planning of your escape plan.
  • Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room.
  • Go over the plan with everyone in your family so they understand how to escape if there is a fire.
  • Decide on a meeting place outside of your home where all family members will meet after they have escaped.
  • Call 9-1-1 from a safe location (i.e. cell phone or neighbour’s house).
  • DO NOT go back into your home for any reason. Once you are out – STAY OUT!
  • Practice your home fire escape plan by holding a fire drill twice a year.

 

CRAWL LOW IN SMOKE

In a fire, smoke and heat rise. There is cleaner, cooler air near the floor. Always try a second way out if you encounter smoke while escaping but if you have to escape through the smoke, crawl on your hands and knees.

 

SMOKING

Careless smoking is a major cause of house fires.

  • Never smoke when you are in bed.
  • Use a large, deep, glass or metal ashtray.
  • Always check seat cushions and floors for cigarette butts prior to leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Safe disposal of ashes/butts must involve the material coming in contact with water prior to placing in garbage.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

 

CANDLES

Never leave a candle unattended for any reason. If you are leaving the room, extinguish the candle. Always place the candle on a solid, level surface, away from windows and all combustible materials including drapes and curtains. A candle can be easily knocked over, so, keep children and pets away from lit candles. Never carry a lit candle and always use the proper type of holder for the candle.

 

COOKING

Always stay in the kitchen while you are cooking with the stove on. Never leave cooking unattended and if you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stove! Cooking fires are easily preventable if you follow these fire safety tips:

  • Wear clothes with short or tight fitting sleeves while you cook to avoid catching your clothes on fire.
  • Always keep a tight-fitting lid near the stove when you are cooking and if the pot or pan catches fire, slide the lid over the pot or pan and turn off the stove. Do not try and lift or move the pot or pan.
  • Unplug kettles, frying pans and other appliances when not in use.
  • Turn pot handles inward where you can’t bump them and children can’t grab them.

 

MATCHES AND LIGHTERS

Keep matches and lighters away from children. Lock them up in cupboard that is high and out reach of children. Teach children that these are tools and not toys. Tell children that when they find matches or lighters they should tell an adult.

 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Know the warning signs that indicate a problem in your electrical system; such as flickering lights, smoke or a strange odour coming from appliances, discolouration around the plug-in, blown fuses or circuit breakers that trip. Check any exposed wiring and make sure it is not cracked or frayed. All electrical repairs should be done by a qualified electrician.

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS

All apartment buildings will have an approved Fire Safety Plan posted throughout the building. In some cases, it may be safer for you to stay in your apartment until help arrives if the fire is elsewhere in the building. The decision to stay or go is yours. A Fire Safety Plan will provide you with the necessary information regardless of your decision. Read this plan and take the time to sit down with your family members to discuss what to do when there is a fire in your apartment unit or in the building.

 

IF THE FIRE IS IN YOUR APARTMENT

  • Alert everyone and leave your apartment. Don’t stop to collect valuables! If handy on your way out grab coats or sweaters but do not take time to look for items.
  • Close the apartment door, leaving it unlocked.
  • Sound the building’s fire alarm system in the hallway, if so equipped.
  • On your way out, if safe to do so, know on doors to alert other occupants.
  • Leave your floor by the nearest exit stair ensuring that doors close behind you to prevent or slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 from a safe location; giving your name, address, apartment number, and details about the fire when you last saw it.
  • Never use the building elevators.
  • Do not go back into the building until you are told that it is safe to do so by Brandon Fire & Emergency Services personnel or building representatives.

 

IF YOU DECIDE TO STAY IN YOUR APARTMENT

If you hear the building’s fire alarm system, we recommend that you and your family consider leaving the building by the nearest safe exit stairwell. If the corridors or stairwells cannot be used due to excessive smoke, heat, or fire, you should remain in your apartment or take refuge in a neighbour’s apartment.

  • Close the apartment door. Use wet towels, sheets, or duct tape to seal all openings around the door. If smoke begins coming in ventilation outlets, such as in the bathroom or kitchen, seal them as well.
  • Move to the balcony or the most protected room, opening windows to provide you with fresh air. We recommend that you do not break the window. Be prepared to close the window if smoke starts to enter the room from the outside.
  • If the smoke enters the room, stay low. Remember that heat and gases rise.
  • Call 9-1-1 and tell us where you are and your need for rescue.
  • Listen for instructions on the building’s voice communication system; if the building is so equipped.
  • Signal your position by waving a white sheet or similar item.
  • Remain calm and wait to be rescued.

 

ROOMING HOMES

A rooming home is a type of residential occupancy in which there may be lodgers living in a home in which a washroom or kitchen is shared with others. If you live in this type of a home, there are fire regulations designed to keep you safe. The following questions will help determine if your home is fire safe:

  • Is there a smoke alarm in the hallway and possibly one in your room? Are the smoke alarms working?
  • Is there a fire extinguisher in the hallway?
  • Is the door to your room a solid wood door and does it close properly?
  • Is there a Fire Safety Plan posted in the building and has it been explained to you?
  • Are there a minimum of two exits from every floor level?

 

If you answered NO to any of these questions, then your home may not be in compliance with fire regulations. The building owner is required by law to comply with all fire safety regulations. Contact the Fire Prevention Division at email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

FIRE SAFETY QUESTIONS

If you have any concerns or questions regarding fire safety in your home, please contact Brandon Fire & Emergency Services – Fire Prevention Division at email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

arrow up Back to Top

Content Bottom
CITY OF BRANDON