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Fire Safety

Simple tips to help keep you, your family, and your neighbours safe.

EMERGENCY? CALL 911

If there is a fire or danger: 

Get out immediately. Close doors behind you. Stay out.

Call 911. 

Do not use elevators during a fire. 

Fires can lead to injuries, loss of belongings, temporary displacement, and damage to homes and buildings.

In some situations, tenants may also be charged for damages caused to their home or other OCH property.

Simple actions can make a big difference. Learning how to prevent fires, preparing for emergencies, and maintaining tenant insurance can help keep you and your neighbours safe.

What To Do During a Fire

If you hear the smoke alarm

  1. Get out immediately 
  2. Close doors behind you
  3. Stay out
  4. Call 911  

If there is smoke

  • Stay low to the ground  
  • Use the nearest safe exit
  • Do not go back inside  

Apartment Buildings

Do you need help leaving your building during a fire?  Contact your OCH Tenant Service Centre to be added to the Special Assistance List (Fire Assistance List) 

This list helps firefighters identify residents who may need assistance during an emergency. 

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Your home has at least one smoke alarm and may also have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. These alarms help protect you and your family by warning you about smoke, fire, or dangerous carbon monoxide gas.

Never disconnect alarms

It is against the law to disconnect or disable a smoke or CO alarm*. 

You could be fined if an alarm is disconnected or damaged. 

If you live in an apartment building, some fire safety devices are connected to the building’s fire alarm system. Do not tamper with, disconnect, or interfere with these devices. Doing so is illegal and may prevent the fire alarm system from working properly, putting you, your neighbours, and emergency responders at risk.

 

*CO alarms are installed in homes where there may be a risk of carbon monoxide. For example, if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage, or is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the home.

Test alarms every month

Press the TEST button on your alarm devices once a month to make sure your alarms are working properly. 

If an alarm is not working, contact the OCH Call Centre immediately: 613-731-1182 

OCH inspects and replaces alarms

To help keep tenants safe: 

  • OCH checks smoke and CO alarms during annual inspections  
  • Smoke alarms and CO alarms are replaced every 9 years  

Please make sure OCH can access your home during inspections. 

Top Fire Risks

Cooking Fires

Cooking fires are the leading cause of fires in a home.

Stay safe: 

  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking  
  • Turn off the stove if you leave the room 
  • Keep towels, packaging, and curtains away from the stove 
  • Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires
  • Never use water on grease fires  

If there is a fire: 

  • Turn off the stove or microwave  
  • Keep the door closed
  • Call 911  

Smoking Safety

All tenants who signed a lease after May 31, 2014 agreed not to smoke in their home, or anywhere on OCH property. 

Most of OCH communities are not smoke-free yet. Over time, as more residents stop smoking, or smoke off property, every OCH community will become smoke-free. 

Careless smoking can start fires quickly. 

Stay safe: 

  • Never smoke in bed  
  • Use deep ashtrays
  • Make sure cigarettes are fully out
  • Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn

Warning signs: 

  • Hot plugs or cords  
  • Flickering lights
  • Burning smells  

Electrical Safety

Overloaded outlets and damaged cords can cause fires. 

Stay safe: 

  • Do not overload outlets or power bars  
  • Replace damaged cords
  • Do not run cords under rugs or furniture
  • Keep electrical panels clear
  • Use the cords and chargers that come with your devices and appliances 

Warning signs: 

  • Hot plugs or cords  
  • Flickering lights
  • Burning smells  

Lithium-Ion Batteries & E-Bikes

Lithium-ion batteries are found in: 

  • Phones  
  • Laptops
  • Scooters
  • E-bikes
  • Power tools
  • Many everyday household devices  

Stay safe: 

  • Use approved chargers  
  • Do not charge batteries overnight or unattended
  • Keep batteries away from heat
  • Stop using damaged batteries immediately  

Balconies & Flammable Materials

Items stored on balconies can spread fire quickly. 

Stay safe:

  • Do not BBQ on balconies  
  • Do not store propane tanks indoors or on balconies
  • Keep balconies clear of flammable materials 

Space Heaters & Furnaces

Heating equipment needs space to work safely. 

Stay safe: 

  • Keep at least 3 feet (1 meter) clear around heaters and furnaces  
  • Keep outdoor exhaust vents clear
  • Never place items near electrical panels
Fire Escape Plan

Make a Fire Escape Plan

Make sure everyone in your home knows how to get out safely. Learn how to create a fire escape plan.

Show me how
Tenant Insurance

Tenant Insurance

Tenant insurance is mandatory. In case of a fire, it protects your belongings, covers temporary housing costs, and covers damage you may accidentally cause.

Learn more
City of Ottawa Resources

Ottawa Fire Safety Resources

Visit the City of Ottawa’s website to get even more resources.

Take me there

Download these resources

Fire Escape Plan Templates Link to Fire Escape Plan Templates

Plan your escape in case of fire.

Safety Tip Sheets From NFPA Link to Safety Tip Sheets From NFPA

Practical advice when cooking, using electrical equipment and heating appliances, preparing for the holidays, and more.

Fire Life Safety Brochure Link to Fire Life Safety Brochure

Useful information at hand. Bookmark the page!

Battery Safety Tip Sheet Link to Battery Safety Tip Sheet

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere and can cause a fire if not used safely. Learn how to avoid this risk.

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