Fire Prevention & Education

Public Education

The Township of Cramahe Fire Department is dedicated to creating a safer community by reducing risks through emergency response, prevention, and fire safety education.

Our firefighters:

Attend community events with interactive safety displays
Visit schools and childcare centres to teach fire safety
Provide fire station tours for residents and groups

Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms save lives. In Ontario, it's the law to have functioning smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Below are some of the most common questions about smoke alarms.

Where do I need to install a smoke alarm in my home?

Ontario law requires that working smoke alarms are installed properly:

On every story of the home.
Outside all sleeping areas.

Avoid installing smoke alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms, or near air vents, windows and ceiling fans.

What should I do if my smoke alarm goes off?

If your smoke alarm goes off, ensure you alert your family members and start your home fire escape plans. Every second counts so get out and stay out!

When should I test and replace my smoke alarms?

Test smoke alarms monthly.
Test the smoke alarm after installing a new battery.
Test smoke alarms upon returning home after an absence of more than a few days.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years with new ones.

How often do I need to change the batteries in my smoke alarm?

Install a new battery once a year or whenever the low battery warning sounds.
If alarm fails to sound when the test button is pressed, install a new battery.
If alarm fails after installing a new battery you will need to purchase a new alarm.

How do I manage nuisance alarms?

Do not remove the battery!
Try moving the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush feature.
Replace alarms near the kitchen or shower with a photoelectric alarm.
If you hear chirping or beeping your alarm may have reached its end of life.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly. Having working carbon monoxide alarms installed properly in your home is not only essential for safety, it’s also required by law.

New Safety Requirements Starting January 1, 2026

Home Fire Escape Planning

Plan ahead with your household to ensure everyone knows how to escape safely in case of fire.

Identify two ways out of every room, if possible.
Ensure windows open easily and security bars have quick-release devices.
Assign someone to help children, older adults, or anyone needing assistance.
Stay low under smoke and head to the nearest safe exit.
Choose a safe meeting place outside and never re-enter a burning building.
Call 9-1-1 from outside your home.
Make sure everyone knows your home address.
Practice your plan regularly so all family members can get out quickly.

Hidden Hazards

Not all fire risks are obvious. Everyday appliances and overlooked areas can pose serious fire hazards if not properly maintained. Below are some practical tips to help you prevent fires in these often-forgotten spaces.

A fire in a fireplace can reach temperatures form 500 to 600 degrees.

The glass doors on a fireplace can get very hot. Teach children to stay at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.

Children can easily lean on or fall on a fireplace screen or glass doors.

For additional protection:

Install a steel fireplace screen that provides a safety zone in front of the glass door.
Install a child guard fence around the fireplace.
Always keep a close eye on children when a fireplace or stove is in use.

Doing the laundry is part of everyday life. Clothes dryer safety can be easy to overlook.

To prevent a clothes dryer fire:

Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
Clean the lint filter before or after every use
Do not overload your dryer
Never leave the dryer unattended.
Turn off the dryer before leaving your home or going to bed
Use proper rigid or flexible metal venting materials

These energy saving light bulbs use less electricity. They contain small trace of mercury within the glass. They require special care.

If a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks:

People and pets should leave the room
Open a window. Allow the room to air out for 5 to 10 minutes
Turn off forced air heating and or air conditioner systems
Collect broken glass and visible powder using a stiff piece of cardboard, tape, or damp paper towel.
Contain debris in a glass jar. Recycle as you would a burned out bulb
Continue to air the room for several hours

Many homes have a utility closet for the water heater and furnace. This space is intended for utilities only and should not be used as a storage closet.

To keep your utility closet safe:

Make sure the closet door has air vents within 12 inches from the floor level and 12 inches from the furnace closet ceiling
Never store household items in the furnace or water heater closet
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the furnace and water heater
Have your furnace inspected annually by a professional

9 Volt Batteries

9 volt batteries are used in smoke alarms and other household items. Many people don't realize they can be a fire hazard. If a metal item touched the two posts of a 9 volt battery, it can cause a short circuit and generate enough heat to start a fire.

Storing 9 volt batteries:

Keep in original packaging until you are ready to use them
Store batteries upright and prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects such as keys, paper clips, coins, or aluminum foil.
Cover posts with masking, duct or electrical tape for storage or disposal
It's a good idea to cover the posts of all batteries

Lithium Ion Batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, also called li-ion batteries, are common in rechargeable products and are safe to use. However, proper handling, storage, and charging is critical to preventing fires. If you are working with or around Li-ion batteries visit the Charged For Life website for safe handling tips.

Home Fire Escape Planning

Hidden Hazards

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