Student Housing Fire Safety Checklist

 

Before you RENT... ask the landlord/owner: 

• Are there working smoke alarms on every level of the house? And, outside all bedrooms?

• Are there carbon monoxide alarms outside the bedrooms?

• Can doors open fully, and close completely?

• Are bedroom doors and stairwell doors solid?

• Do bedroom doors and stairwell doors close on their own?

• Does the electrical wiring look safe?

• Are there enough outlets so you don't need an extension cord?
   

Before you RENT... ask yourself:

• Do I think this house complies with the Ontario Fire Code?

• Will I feel safe in this house?

 

If you answered no to any of these questions above, consider calling the Welland Fire and Emergency Services 905-735 - 1700 ext 2403

To download this checklist, please click here

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Cooking Fire Safety Tips
 

Cooking is the number 1 cause of home fires.
What's the risk?

• Cooking fires account for 22% of all home fires. 

• Cooking left unattended is the cause of 52% of all cooking fires

• Stovetop fires account for 71% of all cooking fires

• The damage costs per cooking fires is over $27 000. 
   

How do I prevent a cooking fire?

• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave, turn off the stove. 

• Keep anything that burns  - cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels, and pot holders - a safe distance from the stove

• Loose - fitting clothes can come into contact with stove burners and catch fire. Wear tight sleeves or roll them up when cooking. 
   

Fire Injuries and Deaths

• 32% of all home fire injuries occur in cooking fires

• 14% of all cooking fires result in an injury or death

• 11% of all home fire fatalities are caused by cooking 
   

Statistics for Ontario between 2010 - 2014. Provided by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. Office of the Fire Marshal & Emergency Management please visit www.ontario.ca/firemarshal 

To download this pdf, please click here

Safe Student Accommodations 101: 10 tips for a safe place to live
 

As students prepare to move into shared or rented accommodations to attend college or university, parents, guardians and students themselves should take an active role in finding a safe place to live.  It is essential for caregivers and students to talk about fire and life safety.  Whether returning to school or leaving home for the first time, a discussion about good fire safety practices can help to ensure this exciting time in a student’s life is not marred by tragedy.

 

1 - Look while you cook:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking - especially if you're using oil or high temperatures. If a pot catches fire, have a proper fitting pot lid handy to slide over the pot and turn off the stove. Cooking requires attention. Distractions like your phone, tv, or tablet can lead to a tragic cooking fire
   

2 - Candle with care:

• If you use candles in your room or apartment, keep them away from anything that can burn, and place them in a safe, sturdy, holder with a glass shade or hurricane chimney. Place them where they cannot be knocked over and blow them out when leaving the room. 

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3- Keep an eye on Excessive Drinkers: 

• Alcohol is a common factor in many fire fatalities involving cooking and smoking. Be aware of roommates and friends who have been drinking excessively, especially if they are cooking or smoking. 
   

4 - Smoke Outside:

• Establish rules for smokers. If you permit smoking inside, use large, sturdy ashtrays that can't be easily tipped over. Ashtrays should be emptied into a metal container not the garbage can. Check around furniture cushions after people have been smoking, especially if they have been drinking. 

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5 - Use Electricity Wisely:

• Toasters, coffeemakers, and microwaves should be plugged directly into an outlet. If you must use an extension cord, buy one that is the correct gauge for the appliance, and has a CSA or ULC approval mark on the label. CSA/ULC approved cords can be used for stereo equipment/ computer chargers as well. 

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6 - Clear the Clutter:

• Keep things that burn away from heat sources like stovetops, space heaters, and electronic equipment. Tea towels and paper too close to burners can catch fire. Keep space heaters at least one metre away from bedding furniture, and curtains. 

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7 - Working Smoke Alarms: 

• Your room or apartment must have working smoke alarms. Test them monthly and notify the landlord immediately if they're not working. Dead batteries must be replaced right away. Nuisance alarms can be avoided by making sure smoke alarms are not located too close to the kitchen or bathroom. Consider getting a smoke alarm with a hush feature. Smoke alarms should be checked after any extended absence such as Winter Break, and reading week. Never tamper with, or disable a smoke alarm. 

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8 - Plan to Escape

• Know two ways out of your room or apartment in case of fire. Identify all exits and make sure you can use them. If you live in a highrise, familiarize yourself with the buildings fire safety plan. If you discover fire, call the fire department from a safe location outside. ​

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9 - Be Equipped: 

• To stay safe, all students should put together a package that includes a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, a battery powered lantern or flashlight, and radio, extra batteries and a CSA/ULC approved power bar. 

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10 - Beat the Silent Killer:

• Your room or apartment will require carbon monoxide alarms if there is a fuel burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. Check with your landlord to ensure that CO alarms have been installed adjacent to all sleeping areas. 

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Statistics for Ontario between 2010 - 2014. Provided by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. Office of the Fire Marshal & Emergency Management please visit www.ontario.ca/firemarshal 

To download this pdf, please click here

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Looking for a Parents guide to student accommodations? Click Here 

Looking for Lithium Ion Battery Safety Tips? Click Here 
Looking for Electrical Fire Safety Tips? Click Here