There are 20,000 house fires in Canada in an average year, resulting in 300 deaths and more than $500 million of property damage. Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath.
Does your family know how to escape if there were a fire in your home? You may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds.
It is now law to install a CO detector in your home. For more information on Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety visit the Office of the Fire Marshal
To reduce fire risk during a power outage:
It's not hard to forget the devastating explosion at a Woodstock apartment building in 2011. The results can be catastrophic when certain chemicals, gases, and other substances are kept in an unstable state or are exposed to heat or fire. If an unstable substance explodes, the blast may cause serious injuries or even death. Explosions and blasts may be caused by improper transport, storage, or treatment. It is important to understand the different types of explosions and where they typically occur in order to keep yourself as safe as possible.
Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Communities located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways and railways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.
Even if a municipality does not have a hazardous material commercial or industrial facility, an incident may be caused by the transportation of dangerous goods near or through the area.
Whether it be an accidental chemical release due to a train derailment or fire at an industrial facility, be prepared by knowing what to do if a chemical/hazardous materials incident affects your area.
Visit your Community Page for information on what hazardous materials may exist and how you can be prepared.
Depending on the situation, you might be asked to "shelter-in-place". Learn more about what this means.
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