A recent note from Ontario’s Fire Marshall has been making the rounds thanks to Renfrew County’s Fire Chiefs.
In a note shared by a number of local fire departments, acting Fire Marshall John McBeth is cautioning people across the province about the purchase and use of fire blankets as an active prevention device in their homes.
Despite fire blankets being increasingly touted as effective ways to deal with situations like stovetop fires, McBeth explains that the Fire Marshalls office does not endorse them for consumer use because there is no Canadian set of standards for their production.
As a result, the fire marshal is concerned that people are developing a false sense of safety over what they consider should be used by professionals only.
The Office of the Fire Marshal recommends some tried-and-true practices for fire safety in the home, including handling cooking fires by sliding a properly fitting lid over the pot and turning off the stove until things have cooled off.
They also recommend installing and regularly testing fire alarms on every storey of your home, as well as outside all sleeping areas. Families should also develop and practice a home escape plan that includes ways for everyone to safely exit the house in an emergency.
(written by Kasey Egan)
