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Family Fireworks |
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With the upcoming Victoria Day holiday, many people would like to celebrate with Family Fireworks. Here are some important tips:
- You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase 'Family Fireworks'
- Family Fireworks may only be set off on Victoria Day, Canada Day and the two (2) days immediately proceeding or following these two holidays
- No person may set off fireworks on any land that they are not the owner of (including municipal roadways & property) without the written permission of the owner to do so.
- Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging (particulary the required clearances and set backs) and only allow the fireworks to be handled and discharged by an adult.
For further information on Fireworks Safety, please review the attached pamphlet Fireworks.pdf |
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Cooking - The Number One Cause of House Fires |
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Unattended cooking remains as the number one cause of house fires in the City of Hamilton. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason ... turn off the appliance! Always keep a large lid near the stove and if the pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.
Wear short or tight fitting sleeves while cooking and never attempt to carry a burning pot or pan. Never use water on a grease fire. This will only spread the fire and further endanger you ... Take a few seconds and watch the following video which clearly shows why you should never use water on a grease fire.
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BBQ Fire Safety |
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Before the first burger of the season hits the grill, make sure you've inspected and cleaned your propane or natural gas barbecue.
When cooking follow these simple rules:
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Remember to always open the lid and strike your match or barbeque lighter first, before turning on the gas
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Don't barbeque in an enclosed space or beneath a combustible roof.
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Keep children and pets away from the hot barbeque and never leave it unattended when in use
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Keep the grill free of grease build-up and never put water on a fire - it will only cause the flames to flare
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When you finish, turn the valve at the tank off first to allow the gas in the hose to be burned off, then turn off the burner controls. Make sure the unit is completely cool before covering it. |
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Open Air Burning |
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With spring weather upon us, many residents may be considering burning materials on their property as part of their spring cleanup.
Unauthorized open air burning can easily get out of control causing grass fires that endanger nearby residents, buildings and needlessly tie up fire suppression apparatus.
Under the City of Hamilton's Open-Air Burning Bylaw (02-283), open air burning is only permitted with the issuance of a permit in areas of the City designated as rural as per the City of Hamilton Official Plan
For further information on open air burning, please review the attached pamphlet OpenAirBurning2.pdf
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Changes to Open Air Burning Regulations in The Ontario Fire Code |
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The latest edition of the Ontario Fire Code was enacted on November 21, 2007 and contains a revision to open air burning regulations. Certain types of outdoor fireplaces, fuelled by natural gas or propane are now permitted in all areas of the City without having to obtain an open air burning permit. The attached Information Sheet will provide you with additional information or please feel free to contact our Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424 ext 1380, weekdays between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.
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Clothes Dryer Fire Safety |
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Doing laundry is likely part of your every day routine, but did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to preventing a fire in your home?
Here are a few simple safety tips that can help:
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Always use a lint filter and make sure you clean it before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum as well
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Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow. Replace damaged or deteriorated piping
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Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. At least once a year, clean lint out of the vent pipe
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Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers, the gas line and connections should be inspected by a professional at least annually
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Turn your dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed!
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Electrical Safety |
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In Hamilton, electrical fires remain as one of the top causes of house fires each year.
Circuit breakers and fuses in electrical panels are designed to prevent overloading and subsequent overheating of household wiring which in turn could lead to a fire. If a fuse blows or a circuit is tripped, do not replace the fuse or reset the breaker until you know what caused the circuit to overload. If the problem continues, you may have too much of a load on the circuit.
Always use the services of a qualified electrician to conduct repairs or upgrades to your homes wiring - improper repairs or installations can cause a serious injury or start a fire!
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"Make It Stop!" .... Advice for Dealing with Nuisance Alarms |
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Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas - It's The Law.
While Ontario fire loss statistics indicate that most homes have smoke alarms installed, many of those devices are not working. Frustration due to frequent nuisance alarms is considered to be the primary reason people remove batteries or disconnect the power from their smoke alarms. For more information, follow the link below:
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"No Time to Spare" - See how fast a fire spreads in 3 Minutes |
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How much time do you have? ... If a fire starts in your home .. are you prepared? ... Are your smoke alarms working? ... Have you tested your smoke alarms? .... Do you have a home fire escape plan? ... Your answers to these questions may be the difference between life and death. Take the next three minutes and see how quickly a fire spreads. "No Time to Spare" is a fire re-enactment in an actual home. Watch the clock, listen for smoke alarms and think about the time it takes for you to escape from a fire in your home.
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knowfire.ca - Fire Safety Videos for Students |
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For many students, attending College or University also involves a move to a new City and the search for affordable housing off campus. While affordability may be a key issue in determining where you will live, another consideration that must be paramount in the minds of both students and their families is fire safety.
Planning ahead for fire safety may be secondary to other issues such as studying, parties and part-time work. Many young adults don't believe that a fire will ever happen to them. Please take the time and watch the fire safety videos on knowfire.ca and think about fire safety in your home .... every day! For more information view our student housing fire safety pamphlet.
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After the Fire - A Guide to Recovery |
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A fire in your home or business can be one of life's most traumatic experiences. You will have many questions about what to do next and how to clean up, repair and replace what has been lost. The attached pamphlet, "After the Fire - A Guide to Recovery" will answer many of those questions you may have.
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Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation |
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Hamilton Emergency Services have achieved Fire Department Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation in all rural areas of the City. Click here to be redirected to our Tanker Shuttle Service Accreditation page or follow the link on the left to learn more about how this can affect your insurance premiums. Visit this page in order to print a copy of the Accreditation Letter for your area.
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Accommodations for Migrant Workers on Farms |
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Many large farming operations rely on migrant workers to assist in planting or harvesting crops and as a result have a need to provide short-term on-site sleeping accommodations for these workers. While farm buildings are generally exempt from the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code, this exemption does not apply to residential occupancies on farms.
Fire safety requirements of the Ontario Fire Code are dependant upon the number of occupants in a residential occupancy. For more information on these requirements or to inquire about having a free fire safety inspection completed of your residential occupancy for migrant workers please contact the Fire Prevention Division of Hamilton Emergency Services at 905 546-2424 ext. 1380, weekdays between the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm.
For additional information please review the attached Fire Marshal’s Office Communique.
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Fireworks for Festivals and Special Events |
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If you are planning to use fireworks as part of an upcoming event (religious or cultural festivals, weddings etc.) you must use the services of a Fireworks Supervisor to set off the fireworks. Click on these links for details on the process involved and for a list of Fireworks Supervisors who can provide this service. |
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20lb Propane Cylinders Cause Safety Concerns |
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The Office of the Fire Marshal have issued the following warning concerning a safety issue with 20lb propane barbeque-type cylinders. This warning involves cylinders that are available to the public at cylinder exchange facilities and are identified on the label with Tank Traders/Superior Propane.
For additional information concerning all Safety Issues, Product Recalls and Warnings, please follow the attached link:
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Important Information Concerning VoIP and 911 |
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The Ontario 9-1-1 Advisory Board have released important information for consumers regarding the use of Voice over Internet Protocol telephone service. View the attached Public Alert for more information and listen to the attached Public Service Announcement:
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