Safety advice
Smoke detectors
It is compulsory to install fire detectors on every floor, including the basement level, and to ensure that they are working well at all times. The smoke detectors must be installed between the bedrooms and the rest of the floor or in the hall. It is recommended that you change the batteries every six months. You can, for example, associate the spring and fall time changes with replacing the batteries in your smoke detector.
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The smoke detector is the best way to save your own life and the lives of those dear to you in case of fire. The detectors should be checked regularly and the batteries should be replaced periodically. Some smoke detectors sound an intermittent alarm to indicate that the battery is weak. When you move, check all the smoke detectors in your new residence.
To find out more about smoke detectors, consult the brochure L'avertisseur de fumée... un gardien rassurant! (122 ko).
You can also test your knowledge by responding to a fun quiz Pleins feux sur... l'avertisseur de fumée (150 ko). And take advantage of the following to check you knowledge of le plan d'évacuation (55 ko) and la prévention des incendies (57 ko).
These brochures, in French only, are available from the Fire Safety Department at 1250 chemin du Village.
Spring and fall, check your smoke detectors!
Source: Ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec
Supplementary heaters = carbon monoxide
Be sure to read A Silent Killer
Storage of dangerous materials
Be sure to read Enjoy Your Summer...In Safety
Portable fire extinguishers
Every occupant should be equipped with a portable fire extinguisher and know how to use it in order to control the initial stage of a fire.
- Obtain a 5-lb. ABC portable fire extinguisher (minimum 2A 10 BC)
- Install the extinguisher in a safe place, accessible and removed from fire risks
- Use it only if:
- the fire is minimal
- other occupants have been alerted
- all occupants have left the premises
- 9-1-1 has been called
- you are between the fire and the exit
- you know what the extinguisher can do - Have the portable fire extinguisher filled after you have used it, even for a few seconds
- Have your extinguisher filled every six years
Source: Ville de Montréal website
Cooking fires
Most fires caused by stoves and other cooking appliances occur when foods are being fried.
Be careful
- Never leave food to cook unattended.
Precautions
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Use a CSA approved fryer equipped with a thermostat.
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When there is a fire in a pot or other vessel, cover it with an appropriate cover and cut the electrical or gas supply to the element. Never try to put it out with water.
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Use an element whose diameter is similar to that of the pot.
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Turn the handles of the pots and pans towards the inside of the stove.
Source: Ville de Montréal website
Outdoor fires
Before lighting an outdoor fire between March 15 and November 30, you must first obtain a burning permit (free) from the Police Department at 380 rue Siméon. You must always have a responsible person on the premises and be ready to extinguish the fire (having the appropriate measures at hand) at any moment.
Bylaw (2002)-93 - Outdoor fires
Intense cold
Be careful not to overload the electrical circuits with portable heaters and radiators, and don't leave these appliances unattended. If you must use an electrical extension cord, make sure of its capacity to resist the current by comparing the electrical capacity indicated on the cord or on the female plug with the rating plate of the appliance. This way you won't risk the overheating that can cause a fire. In addition, make sure that it has enough clearance, according to the manufacturer's standards, from all combustible materials (clothing, curtains, furniture, etc.)
A burned out fuse (in the electrical panel) generally signals an overload of electric current. If this occurs, never replace this fuse with a higher-rated one. Just plug some of the appliances that use a lot of electricity into other plugs so as to spread the load. Ask an electrician for advice, if necessary, to reduce the fire risk.
Keep combustible materials such as furniture and curtains/draperies that hang to the floor at least 30 cm from all electric heaters and baseboard heaters. Never use these heaters to dry clothing.
If you have a fireplace or woodstove, have the chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently, according to your wood consumption.
If there is a power outage, never use heating devices created for camping. These require good ventilation and represent a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning inside the house. Never leave a candle unattended, or too close to combustible materials, and above all, keep candles out of the reach of children. This kind of carelessness is the cause of many fires.
Before the cold season arrives, an annual inspection of the main heating system and any supplementary heating devices (oil, natural gas, propane and wood) by a competent and qualified person ensures the efficiency of the system and protects you from fires.
Source: Ville de Montréal website
Chimney sweeping
Be sure to read Autumn Fires
Inflammable and explosive products
Precautions
- Don't keep more than 15 litres of inflammable and combustible liquids in a residence including, at most, 5 litres of inflammable liquids.
- Keep the contents hermetically sealed.
- Use only approved plastic containers for outdoor storage.
- Never use the containers from windshield washer fluid or similar containers to transport inflammable products.
- Never store these products on balconies.
- Keep inflammable aerosols far from any heat source.
- Store pool products protected from the weather and out of the reach of children.
Source: Ville de Montréal website
Safety during the Holiday Season
Be sure to read The Best Christmas Present-Prudence!
