PEC Fire Department wants you to know…!

Working smoke alarms are essential in seasonal homes and recreational vehicles

During the past two weeks, two men have died in separate trailer fires in Ontario. It has been confirmed by Office of the Fire Marshal investigators that no working smoke alarms were recovered from either trailer. Fires in these types of seasonal homes can spread incredibly fast.

As a result of these tragic fatal fires, Prince Edward County Fire Prevention Officer Michael Branscombe is reminding everyone that it is the law to have a working smoke alarm in their trailer home, motor home and other recreational vehicle. In addition to smoke alarms, these homes, vehicles or boats used for sleeping should be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm.

“The Ontario Fire Code requires every ‘dwelling unit’ in Ontario to have working smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas,” explained Fire Prevention Officer Michael Branscombe . “What many people may not know is that the term ‘dwelling unit’ includes seasonal homes such as park model trailers, cabins and cottages and may include trailer homes, motor homes and other recreational vehicles”.

While many new trailer and RV models may already meet a construction standard requiring working smoke alarms, older models may not be equipped with any or they may not have been properly maintained.  Smoke alarms should be tested before sleeping in any of these seasonal homes and then monthly and after any absence of more than a few days. Replace any smoke alarms that may be more than 10 years old.

“Smoke alarms can alert you and give you and your family the precious time needed to safely escape a fire,” said Branscombe. “Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in any structure where people may be sleeping or living.”

Failure to comply with the applicable Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $100,000.

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Swing into Summer Safety

Who better to help promote safety to children than the boys of summer – the Toronto Blue Jays!

The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and its Sponsors, along with participating Fire Departments, is pleased to partner with the Toronto Blue Jays to bring its “Swing into Summer Safety” campaign to communities across the province.

This important safety initiative is all about educating and raising awareness with school-age children and their families about fire safety and other injury prevention tips.

This baseball season, watch out for exciting community events hosted by local participating fire departments, as well as fun in-stadium activities at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Visit a participating fire department and get your very own special safety edition baseball collector card deck, showcasing all your favourite Toronto Blue Jays players as well as other great giveaways and valuable safety information!

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Fire Safety Education for Kids to be offered once again in Prince Edward County

The Prince Edward County Fire Department is once again presenting local grade 4 & 5 students the opportunity to participate in an educational fire safety program designed to prevent fire-related injuries and fatalities. This will be the 5th consecutive year that the fire department has committed to bringing the safety program to area kids.

Produced by Community Safety Net, Fire Safety: Smart choices for LIFE is a 116-page award-winning handbook that features information on how to avoid fire, plan an escape route from your home and what to do if a fire breaks out. It also comes with an interactive DVD that offers health and first aid information, along with important safety tips for parents, teachers and babysitters.

To cover the cost of the books and DVDs, Safety Net representative Rick Mercer will be visiting local businesses and organizations to obtain support on behalf of the Prince Edward County Fire Department.

For more information on this program please contact Michael Branscombe, Fire Prevention Officer at 613-476-2345.