The Gravenhurst Volunteer Fire Department

True Fire Safety Begins in the Home

As Gravenhurst firefighters, we get to see first hand the results of fires in this province. While fires in the homes are devastating for the families, the real tragedy is that most of them could have been prevented, not by having bigger and faster fire trucks, but by preventing the fire from starting in the first place.

As most fires occur in the home where everyone feels safe and secure, it's up to you to make sure that you and your family are protected. Fire safety is everyone's responsibility, and it must begin in the home.Watch Your Ashes

Statistics show us that adults over the age of 65 are at a greater risk of dying in a fire than any other age group. In fact, the fire death rate of people over the age of 65 is almost three times greater than any other age group. And most of these deaths occur in the home.

The best advice for everyone is to take precautions to prevent a fire from occurring. Inspect your home regularly or have our firefighters help you inspect it. You should get rid of all possible fire hazards in your home.

Careless smoking is the number one cause of fire deaths. While we're not going to even try to convince people to give up smoking there are a few important tips that just might save your life.

  1. Never smoke in bed or when lying down.
  2. Never smoke when you are sleepy, drinking alcoholic beverages or when taking medications that make you drowsy.
  3. Empty ashtrays properly (douse ashes with water or empty them into the toilet. Never empty ashtrays directly into the garbage.)
  4. Use large, deep ashtrays that are heavy enough so they are not easily knocked over.
  5. A lighted cigarette that falls onto bedding or upholstery can smolder for hours. Please be careful with smoking materials
  6. Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.

What can you do to protect yourself? Lots!

1. Install Smoke Alarms

2. Have a Fire Escape Plan

3. Safety in the Kitchen

4. How to Survive a Fire in Your Home 

 

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Site designed and maintained by John Black and David Eidsness
Last modified: January 01, 2008