Prevention and Safety

Springwater Fire and Emergency Services wants everyone to be safe. Protect your home with working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Be prepared and have a fire escape plan.

Fire safety

When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms can be the difference between life and death. It's the law to have working smoke alarms installed on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

Test alarms at least once a month
If using battery-powered alarms, remember to replace batteries as needed, at least twice a year
Replace alarms every ten years
Install alarms according to manufacturer's instructions

Fire escape plans

There's no time to waste during a fire. That's why it's so important to make a step-by-step plan to help you escape. Everyone in your home needs to know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarms sound.

Creating a plan

Take a few minutes with everyone in your home to make a fire escape plan using the steps below or this escape plan template.

Draw a floor plan of your home with all possible emergency exits
- Show two ways out of every room, if possible
Identify special needs
- Decide who will assist the very young, older adults, people with disabilities or pets
Choose a meeting place outside that's a safe distance from your home and easily remembered
Practice your escape and review the plan with everyone in your household

Fire safety and prevention programs

Fire inspections

Springwater Fire conducts fire inspections in accordance with Ontario Regulation 355/13 under the Ontario Fire Code. Inspections are conducted on any building within the Township upon receipt of a complaint or request.

Alarmed for Life

Alarmed for Life is a fire safety awareness and education program. Alarmed for Life home fire safety kits are delivered to targeted areas by Springwater firefighters twice a year. The goal of the program is to ensure that all homes have a working smoke alarm on every story of the home and outside all sleeping areas, as well as a working carbon monoxide alarm outside all sleeping areas. The importance of home fire escape planning in also emphasized.

Learn Not to Burn

The Learn Not to Burn preschool program integrates literacy, movement, music and dramatic play to teach fire safety concepts to children ages 3-5 years old. The program uses positively framed messaging, opportunities for active engagement and encouragement of family involvement to reinforce safety concepts. To request your Learn Not to Burn program referral please contact Springwater Fire.

Ask Sparky

Students are encouraged to write letters to Sparky the Fire Dog asking questions about fire related services. The goal is to increase their knowledge of fire safety and the fire service in a fun way. Sparky will respond to each of the letters/questions in writing.

This program is open to any class in Springwater. Teachers interested in having their class participate can do so by following the steps below:

Contact Springwater Fire & Emergency Services - Fire Prevention Division.
Arrange for Fire Prevention and Sparky to attend your classroom and explain the program. Worksheets for students to fill out will be provided.
Contact Fire Prevention for pick-up of the letters and to arrange a date for Sparky to return.
Fire Prevention and Sparky will return to the classroom with written responses for each of the students.

Older and Wiser Fire Safety Program

When it comes to fire safety, older adults need help more than any other group, as statistics show that adults over 65 years of age are at greater risk of dying in a fire. Through a combination of public education and community outreach, we provide older adults with important fire safety messaging.

To request an Older and Wiser Fire Safety Program referral, please contact Springwater Fire.

TAPP-C

TAPP-C is an intervention program designed to reduce fire involvement (intentional fire setting and/or match and lighter play) and to promote fire safety to children ages 2-17. TAPP-C is a collaborative program that is delivered by the Fire Department and local mental health professionals.

Children involved with fires are referred to the program and the local participating department will schedule a TAPP-C home fire safety check and fire safety education session with the child and family. The child will also be referred to a local mental health professional for assessment.

To request a TAPP-C referral contact Springwater Fire.

Fire hydrants

In an emergency situation, every second counts. Blocked, concealed or difficult-to-access fire hydrants can slow emergency fire response. Hydrants covered in snow can be difficult to locate and uncovering them can waste valuable time.

You can help reduce the risk by keeping nearby fire hydrants accessible and clear of ice and snow. Hydrants should have a clearing of one metre (3 ft.) around all sides and there should be a clear path from the street to ensure firefighters can easily access the hydrants.

To report a defective hydrant or a hydrant requiring maintenance, please call the Ontario Clean Water Agency at 705-429-2525.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks should only be used in clear areas away from structures and dry vegetation. They should never be used on municipal property, such as parks or roads. Additionally, residents are reminded of the following safety precautions:

Always purchase your fireworks from a reliable source.
Read and follow the directions on the label.
Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
Check the wind. Place fireworks in a bucket of sand and aim fireworks away from spectators. If the wind is strong, postpone your fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box until it is time to discharge them.
Keep everyone at least 10 meters away from the fire line.
Always keep a bucket of water or a garden hose close by.
Never take apart or modify fireworks in any way.
Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light a dud firework. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
Never give sparklers to young children. Many people view sparklers as harmless fun, however they burn extremely hot, can ignite clothing and cause severe burns.
- The sparkler wire remains very hot following use and should be soaked in a bucket of water before discarding.
Be respectful of your neighbours and mindful of pets.

In the event of an emergency to life or property, call 9-1-1.

Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “Silent Killer” because you can't see it, taste it or smell it. It's the law for any home at risk of CO to have a working CO alarm installed. CO poisoning can be avoided with preventative measures. Follow these tips to keep your family safe:

Install alarms near sleeping areas
Test alarms at least once a month
Replace alarms every seven to ten years, depending on the brand
Have a licensed technician inspect your fuel burning appliances annually (e.g. furnace, fireplace, water heater) to ensure they are in proper working order and vented correctly.

If your fire or CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of the house and call 911.

Recycling your used alarms

Our Fire Department teams up with First Alert to deliver Zero Waste, an exciting program that allows Canadians to recycle their used smoke, CO and combination alarms. Drop off your used alarms at the Township Administration Centre or Fire Station 3 in Minesing.

Find more safety tips on a variety of topics, from fireworks and cooking to heating and electrical fires, on the Office of the Fire Marshal website.