Fire Safety Education

Fire Code Requirements

The Fire Code is a regulation made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

Division A, 1.2.1.1 states, "Unless otherwise specified, the owner is responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code".

The Fire Code can be accessed (free of charge) on e-Laws website.

Contact the Kingsville Fire Department if you have any questions regarding compliance with the Fire Code.

Green Flashing Lights

Legislation was enacted on December 9, 1994 to amend the Highway Traffic Act, 1990 (HTA, 1990) that allows firefighters to display a flashing green light on their personal vehicle when responding to emergencies. The use of flashing green lights on vehicles is restricted to the Ontario Fire Service.

Please be courteous and yield the right of way if you see a vehicle displaying a flashing green light.

Thank you for your consideration.

Seconds Can Save a Life

Minutes can seem like an eternity to those waiting for help. Every day, police, fire and ambulance vehicles respond to urgent calls. Precious time lost getting there could mean the difference between life and death. As a driver, you can do your part to help save lives.

Reacting to an emergency vehicle

There are certain steps you need to take when an emergency vehicle is approaching in either direction.

On a multi-lane highway

• Slow down, signal and move to the right
• If possible, pull as close as you can to the right side of the roadway and stop when safe to do so
• Don't move onto the shoulder

On a two-lane road

• Signal and move to the right
• Pull as close as possible to the right edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop

On a one-way street

• Signal and pull to the right or the left side of the street, clear of any intersection, and stop

In an intersection

• Traffic in all directions must yield to emergency vehicles
• Don't block the intersection
• If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind you, don't make a left turn - proceed straight through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop

Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle

"Slow Down, Move Over": if you see an emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing stopped facing the same direction you are going, slow down and pass with caution.

If the road has two or more lanes, you must leave a lane of space between you and the emergency vehicle, if you can do so safely.

Tips

• Stay alert
• Avoid distractions
• Keep the noise level down in your vehicle
• Use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over
• Check your rear-view mirrors, and look in front and on both sides of your vehicle
• Don't drive on or block the shoulder on freeways
• When the emergency vehicle has passed, check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic
• It's illegal to follow a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call, within 150 metres

Visit Ministry of Transportation Safety home for more safety tips.

 Public Education

We have the following programs available:

Fire Safety Talk / Presentation

Adults Ages 18+
Fire safety presentations cover fire-safe practices in the home and/or workplace. Examples of adult audiences would include: church groups, seniors groups, workplaces, homecare providers, etc

Youth Ages 7 - 17
Fire safety presentations cover fire-safe practices in the home, escape planning, safe cooking for teens. Examples of youth would include: youth groups, Guides, Scouts, etc

Children Ages 4 - 6
A Firefighter will talk to the children about fire safety, demonstrate some of the gear they use during an emergency and Q&A with a firefighter. Examples of youth would include: youth groups, Brownies, Beavers, etc

Fire Station Tour
Station tours involve a tour through the fire hall. Truck visits include showing the truck equipment, conducting a truck tour, and Q&A with a firefighter.

TAPP-C The Arson Prevention Program for Children
If your child (3-17 years old) is involved with fire play or fire setting, an education officer will assist with education and to ensure your home is fire safe. This program may contain a mental health component.

Public Education Request Form

Smoke Alarms

Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Early detection is key so that you can use your home fire escape plan to exit a burning structure safely. Working smoke alarms can save your life and cost as little as $10.00.

Smoke alarms are also law. You must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas in Ontario.

2.13.2.1.(1)Smoke alarm installation requirements

According to Ontario Fire Code 2.13.2.1.(1), you must install a smoke alarm:

• if a sleeping area in a dwelling unit is served by a hallway, in the hallway;
• if a sleeping area in a dwelling unit is not served by a hallway, between the sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit;
• if a sleeping room is not within a dwelling unit, in the sleeping room; and
• on each storey without a sleeping area in a dwelling unit.

Smoke alarm guides

• How to maintain your smoke alarms
• How to install and maintain your smoke alarms
• An information card about smoke alarms and related laws
• Some smoke alarm pointers that can help save lives
• Advice for dealing with nuisance alarms
• Smoke alarm questions and answers from the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services

 Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of incomplete combustion. CO is invisible, odourless and colourless. Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death.

The proper installation of working CO alarms is important in order to alert you to CO so that you can take proper action to keep safe.

Ontario fire code installation requirements

2.16.2.1.(1) If a fuel-burning appliance or a fireplace is installed in a suite of residential occupancy, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in the suite.

Note: There are other requirements for the installation of CO alarms in multi-unit buildings (i.e. apartment buildings). Please contact the Kingsville Fire Department if you have questions on the installation of CO alarms.

Carbon monoxide alarm guides

• How to stay safe from carbon monoxide in your home
• How to stay safe from carbon monoxide in your condo or apartment unit
• An information sheet about carbon monoxide's risks and how to protect your family
• Carbon monoxide alarm questions and answers from the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services

Residential Sprinkler Systems

Residential sprinkler systems lower the damages created by fire and makes your home safer. When building a new home, consider asking your builder to install sprinklers.

PSA Video Sprinklers Save Lives - Building More Resilient Communities