Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

Basic fire safety begins at home where a little bit of planning can go a long way towards protecting your loved ones and preventing damage to your belongings.

Review these tips on fire prevention and safety as well as what to do in case of a fire and be prepared. Click the + buttons to expand the sections and check out the resources from the City of Calgary Fire Department on the right.

These are general tips to prevent a fire in your home.

  • Do not store flammable materials inside your home or attached storage.
  • Do not overload power outlets or use damaged, old or frayed power cords.
  • A power bar with a shut-off feature can protect your electrical appliances.
  • Advise your Property Manager immediately if you become aware of any fire hazards in your home or building, for example, accumulations of combustible materials, flammable liquids, or blocked exit routes.
  • Do not prop open fire doors or disable automatic door closers, as you place both yourself and your neighbours in danger in the event of a fire.

These are fire prevention and general safety tips to prevent burn injuries in your kitchen.

  • Never leave cooking food unattended.
  • Use your stove’s back burners whenever possible.
  • Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of pots being knocked over.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when cooking.
  • If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan.
  • Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, and other items that can burn, away from your stovetop.
  • Do not to store combustible or flammable items in the bottom drawer of the oven.
  • In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Prevent annoying false alarms that also waste your smoke detector’s battery life.

  • Keep your stove, oven and toasters clean to prevent setting off your smoke alarm.
  • Use the exhaust fan (if available) when cooking to reduce the possibility of false alarms.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans to prevent steam from setting off your alarm.
  • If your smoke detector is being set off too easily, ask your Property Manager if it can be moved.

Knowing what to do in the event of a fire can help you escape to safety.

  • Have a fire escape plan (Check out this fire escape plan from the Calgary Fire Department.)
  • Draw a floor plan of your unit on the fire escape plan.
  • If you live in an apartment building, you will find fire safety and evacuation information posted on each floor.
  • Make sure you know at least two ways out of the building in case one escape route is blocked by fire.
  • Plan escape routes with everyone in your household and practice them regularly so everyone knows how to exit the building safely.
  • If you hear a fire alarm, always leave the building right away. Follow your fire escape plan.
  • If a fire occurs in your unit, evacuate to safety, activate the fire alarm, and call 911 for the fire department.

CHC Apartment Buildings

Every CHC Apartment Building is equipped with a fire alarm system and evacuation plans are posted in the common areas.  Please read these so you are aware of what to do in case of a fire.

  • If you hear the fire alarm in your building, exit immediately then call 911.  
  • Do not use the elevators.  
  • If you require assistance exiting your unit, call 911.

CHC Townhomes and Single Family Homes

CHC townhomes and single family homes are equipped with smoke detectors.

  • Smoke detectors must not be tampered with.
  • This includes no painting or covering of the smoke detectors.
  • You should test your smoke detectors once a month to ensure they function.
  • Report any malfunctioning or broken smoke detectors to your Property Manager.
Additional Resources

Learn more about fire safety on the
Calgary Fire Department’s website:

Fire Safety Equipment
Smoke Alarms
Home Fire Safety
Electrical and Gas Appliances
Apartment Building Fire Safety
Proper Disposal of Smoking Material

Search
Recent News
Archives
Archives
Tenant Handbook

In Summer 2020 we compiled a new Printable PDF version of important information for tenants. You will find details on how to connect with CHC, guidance on the programs we provide, and advice on maintenance and management of your home. Keep a copy of the PDF on your device or print your own hardcopy. Download CHC Tenant Handbook 2020

A diverse group of happy people of a wide range of ages.

Have Your Voice Heard

In early 2024 we will be reaching out to residents to gather your experiences, opinions, and ideas to inform our Anti-Racism Strategy.

You can participate by:

  • Completing the survey that will be distributed in early 2024
  • Volunteer to join a focus group (this will be available through the survey)

 

Watch for more information coming soon!

 

Skip to content