Public education

Tips for best smoke alarm use:

• when installing smoke alarms refer to the manufacturers instructions for best placement
• test your alarm monthly using the test button
• replace alarm batteries once a year or whenever you hear the low-battery chirp
• replace alarms within the time frame advised by the manufacturers, typically within 10 years

It is the law to have a carbon monoxide alarm if your home or garage has fuel-fire appliances such as a furnace, water heater, stove or fireplace. 

If so, working alarms are required on every sleeping level of the home.

If you hear the alarm sound, evacuate your home and call 911. Do not go back inside until firefighters have said it is safe to do so.

Tips for best use:

• get an annual inspection for all fuel-burning appliances in your home
• ensure that outside furnace vents are not blocked
• do not use portable fuel-burning appliances in enclosed spaces
• test alarm monthly using the test button
• replace alarm batteries once a year or whenever you hear the low-battery chirp
• replace alarms within the time frame advised by the manufacturers, typically within 10 years

For more information visit COsafety website.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you with less than two minutes to escape safely once a fire has started. It is important to know to do when the smoke alarm sounds.

1. develop a home fire escape plan - know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds
2. practise your escape plan
3. make sure everyone know two way out of each room, if possible
4. help those who need it - who will help children, older adults and anyone with a disability
5. get low and go - under the smoke and to the nearest safe exit
6. choose a meeting place outside - a safe distance from your home
7. get out, stay out - never re-enter a burning building

Leaving cooking unattended is the number one cause of home fires. The tips below will help reduce the risk of kitchen fires:

• stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially if using oil or cooking at high temperatures
• keep items such as cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders away from heat
• keep children away from cooking areas and turn pot handles inwards
• do not wear loose fitting clothing as it is easier to catch fire - stop, drop and roll if your clothing catches fire
• enjoy a drink while eating the meal, not preparing the meal as many fatal fires occur when people are impaired

Barbecue safety:

• open the lid when lighting the barbecue with a match
• keep the barbecue away from combustible items and never keep it in a garage
• store propane cylinders in upright and well-ventilated areas
• check that the fitting that connects the barbecue hose is not cracked or bent
• propane cylinders must be recertified every 10 years

The City of Waterloo's Fire Safety Box Bylaw helps to ensure our resources are being used efficiently. We have noticed an increase in unnecessary fire alarm responses, with many building owners struggling to understand and maintain their own fire safety plan. This bylaw aims to improve safety and awareness for everyone.

Bylaw overview:

• owners of residential and industrial buildings who need a fire safety plan according to section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code, must also have a fire safety box and an approved lockbox
• if you have an existing approved lockbox, you can continue to use this
• the owner or designated contact person must arrive at the scene within 45 minutes after the alarms were engaged

What is a fire safety box? 

A box that can be placed with or without the fire safety plan, that includes:

• the contact information for the owner or their designated contact person
• the building schematics or drawings
• spare lock for the fire safety box in case responders have to cut the current one (this should be avoided, as long as you include the fire safety box keys in your lockbox)

What is a lockbox? 

• a locked box on the exterior of the building that holds keys or tools needed to enter the building, including a key to the fire safety box
• each key's use should be clearly labelled before going into the lock box 
• the only people that have keys to access the lockbox are our responders
• the lockbox must be approved by Waterloo Fire Rescue, and currently only accepts lock boxes from the brand Supra
• if you're unsure about where to get, purchase and install your lockbox, contact G&A Lock and Security

Fire safety box vs fire safety plan

The fire safety box is the responder's resource at the scene of the fire (alarm). It holds a condensed version of the fire safety plan and only includes the owner's contact information and building schematics.

The fire safety plan is the owner's document, containing important building information, like possible dangers, how to evacuate, details about sprinkler systems, how to turn off equipment, and more.