The Hamilton Fire Department is emphasizing the importance of home escape planning as part of its 2025 Fire Safety First Program. With fires capable of spreading rapidly, leaving as little as one to two minutes to escape, officials are urging residents to prepare in advance to ensure their safety.
Creating a Fire Escape Plan at Home
To enhance fire safety, households are encouraged to:
- Inspect escape routes: Walk through the home to identify possible exits and ensure two ways out of each room.
- Install working smoke alarms: Alarms should be placed on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Close doors: A closed door can slow the spread of fire, heat, and smoke.
- Choose a meeting place: Designate a safe location outside where all family members can gather.
- Call 911 from a safe location: Teach older children when and how to call for emergency assistance.
- Never re-enter a burning building: If someone is missing, inform the fire department immediately.
- Assign evacuation roles: Ensure children, seniors, and individuals with mobility limitations have assistance.
Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings
For residents living in apartment buildings, the Hamilton Fire Department stresses the importance of:
- Knowing the building’s Fire Safety Plan and practicing escape procedures.
- Identifying at least two exits and always using stairwells instead of elevators.
- Having an emergency meeting spot outside the building.
If a fire occurs in an apartment unit, residents should:
- Evacuate immediately and close all doors behind them.
- Activate the building’s alarm system and alert others by yelling “FIRE.”
- Call 911 from a safe location.
What to Do If the Fire Alarm Sounds
If a fire alarm sounds, residents should feel the door before opening it. If it’s hot, they should find another escape route or remain inside their unit, sealing cracks with duct tape and wet towels to keep out smoke.
In cases where smoke enters the apartment:
- Call 911 immediately and move to a balcony or the most smoke-free room.
- Hang a sheet from the balcony or window to signal firefighters.
- Stay low to the floor to access cleaner air.
The Hamilton Fire Department reminds residents that preparedness saves lives. For more information on fire safety, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 905-546-2424, ext. 1380, email [email protected], or visit www.hamilton.ca/fire.
Together, we can prevent emergencies, protect lives, and make Hamilton a safer place for all.
Home Escape Flyer