Emergency Preparedness

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OFLSESection 21

 

  

 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Homeowners and landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms.

If your Co alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number from outside the building.

If your CO alarm sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reaches its “end-of-life” before calling 9-1-1.

Testing

  • It is recommended that carbon monoxide alarms be tested monthly or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Batteries

  • Replace batteries in carbon monoxide alarm once a year or whenever the low-battery sounds.
  • Know the difference between a low-battery warning and emergency alarm – consult the CO alarm manufacturer's instructions.

Landlords

  • Landlords are responsible to ensure working carbon monoxide alarms are installed and maintained in their rental properties.
  • The law requires landlords to test CO alarm in rental units annually and when the battery is replaced, changes are made to the electric circuit or a change in tenancy occurs. CO alarms must test by pressing the test button.
  • The law requires landlords to provide CO alarm manufacturer's maintenance instructions to tenants.

Tenants

  • The law requires tenants to notify the landlord if the CO alarm is inoperable.
  • It is against the law for tenants to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way.

Download the Carbon Monoxide Prevention pamphlet for more information.

Emergency Preparedness Kits

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. This could mean that utilities are out, roads are closed and we can't get the crucial supplies we need. Local, provincial and federal officials prepare for emergencies, and so can you.

It is important the contents of your emergency survival kit are kept all together in an easy to carry container or bag in the event you have to leave your home as a result of an emergency. This will ensure you have all of your basic supplies with you. Your emergency survival kit should be kept in an easy-to-reach location and everyone in your family should know where it is stored.

Emergency Survival Kit Checklist

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. This could mean that utilities are out, roads are closed and we can't get the crucial supplies we need. Local, provincial and federal officials prepare for emergencies, and so can you.

Being prepared for an emergency includes the preparation of an emergency survival kit. An emergency survival kit contains all of the basic items you need to remain comfortable for at least three days immediately after or during an emergency.

It is important the contents of your emergency survival kit are kept all together in an easy to carry container or bag in the event you have to leave your home as a result of an emergency. This will ensure you have all of your basic supplies with you. Your emergency survival kit should be kept in an easy-to-reach location and everyone in your family should know where it is stored.

If you are ever in an emergency situation, stay calm. People have survived three days without water and three weeks without food. Your home can retain heat for up to three hours in winter.

  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Radio and batteries or crank radio (so you can listen to news bulletins)
  • Spare batteries (for radio and flashlight)
  • First-aid kit
  • Telephone that can work during a power disruption
  • Candles and matches/lighter
  • Extra car keys and cash - Banks and ATMs will not be operating if there is a power outage
  • Important papers (identification)
  • Non-perishable food (ready-to-eat items that do not require refrigeration)
  • Manual can opener
  • Bottled water - At least four liters per person per day should be allocated - two for drinking and two for food preparation, hygiene and dishwashing. Keep a supply of water purification tablets on hand as well.
  • Clothing and footwear
  • Blankets or sleeping bag
  • Toilet paper and other personal supplies such as shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and a towel and face cloth (one for each person)
  • Medication and extra eye glasses; spare batteries for medical appliances and an extra oxygen cylinder if needed. (Keep at least one week's supply of medication in your emergency kit, and include copies of prescriptions for your medicine and glasses)
  • Backpack/duffle bag
  • Whistle (to attract attention, if needed)
  • Playing cards, games
  • Disposable plates, cups and cutlery
  • Fuel stove and fuel (follow manufacturer's instructions and do not use a barbecue indoors)
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Pocket knife or multi tool
  • Pets - Include a three-day supply of pet food and water

Remember that families with babies and toddlers will have additional needs. Remember to include things like diapers, baby food and formula, bottles/sippy cups, toys, crayons and paper etc.

Car Emergency Kit Checklist

  • Shovel
  • Sand, salt or kitty litter
  • Traction mats
  • Tow chain
  • Compass
  • Cloth or roll of paper towels
  • Warning light or road flares
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Emergency food pack
  • Axe or hatchet
  • Booster cables
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Road maps
  • Matches and a "survival" candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Methyl hydrate (for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter
  • Blanket (special "survival" blankets are best)

Pet Emergency Kit Checklist

  • Food, potable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
  • Blanket and a small toy
  • Sturdy leash/harness
  • Cat litter/pan (if required) and plastic bags
  • Carrier for transporting your pet
  • Medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
  • Current photo of your pet in case your pet gets lost
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical or behavioral problems in case you must board your pet
  • Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian
  • Copy of licence (if required)
  • Muzzle (if required)

Fire safety Education

Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Once you know what types of emergencies can happen in your community, develop a family emergency plan.

Arrange a meeting with your family to discuss why you need to prepare for an emergency. Talk about the types of emergencies that could happen and explain what to do in each case.

Everyone should know what to do in the event all family members are not together when an emergency happens. Discussing emergency situations ahead of time will help to reduce fear and anxiety and will help everyone know how to respond.

Pick two places to meet:

  1. Right outside of your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire Outside of your neighbourhood in case you can't return home or are asked to leave your neighbourhood. Everyone must know the address and phone number of both of the meeting places.
  2. Develop an emergency communications plan. In case family members are separated from one another during an emergency, have a plan for getting back together. Separation is a possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school/daycare.
  3. Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your family contact. Your contact should live outside of your area. After an emergency it is often easier to make a long distance call than a local call. Family members should call the contact and tell him or her where they are. Everyone must know the contact's name, address and phone number.
  4. Discuss what to do if authorities ask you to evacuate. Before an emergency happens, make arrangements for a place to stay with a friend or relative who lives out of town.
  5. Make arrangements for the care of your pets in the event of an emergency. With the exception of service animals, pets are generally not permitted in emergency evacuation centres. Before an emergency happens, plan where you would take your pets if you could not take them with you to a public emergency evacuation centre.
  6. Teach all family members how to properly turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home. Keep any tools necessary to shut off these utilities near the shut-off valves. Do not turn off you utilities unless you suspect a leak or if you are instructed to do so by authorities. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
  7. Take an emergency first aid course and a CPR class from a recognized provider, such as Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance.

Learn How to Evacuate

Evacuation is a protective action that may be ordered by emergency officials when there is a significant threat posed to a specific area or community. Causes of an evacuation could include a natural, accidental or human-caused disaster such as a chemical release, nuclear incident or severe weather.

 

When should I evacuate?

Evacuate only when instructed to do so by your local emergency officials. In some cases it may be safer to remain inside (shelter-in-place). If ordered to evacuate listen to media reports to learn about areas being evacuated and which routes are safest to take.

 

How will I know to evacuate?

Evacuation orders are typically broadcast through the media or delivered directly to homes and businesses by emergency responders, such as the police. To learn more about notification in your community, please contact your local Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC), Eric Korhonen, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Township of North Frontenac.

 

What should you do if ordered to evacuate?

Offer to assist neighbours who may not be able to evacuate on their own. If possible, make these arrangements in advance. Take your family emergency survival kit, important documents (e.g., medical and vaccination records) and your personal valuables (e.g., cash, credit cards). Evacuate the area affected by the emergency exactly as directed. Remain calm, do not speed and obey official directions as some roads may be closed or rerouted.

Don't take shortcuts. Doing so might lead you to a blocked or dangerous area. If evacuating during a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident, keep your car windows and vents closed and air-conditioner turned off. During some evacuations, you may be asked to report to a reception centre. These may be set up to check people and vehicles for contamination, record evacuee contact information or arrange for temporary housing. Avoid using the telephone unless you are reporting an emergency or it is absolutely necessary. Emergency responders and those who need immediate emergency assistance will need all available lines. Listen to media reports to stay informed about further announcements from your local emergency officials.

Inspection

 

The North Frontenac Fire Department is mandated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) to respond to complaint and request inspections related to fire safety. 

Fire inspectors enforce the Ontario Fire Code. Violations include such items as block exits, missing or breaches in fire separations, missing or broken fire doors, electrical deficiencies, storage or use of flammable liquids or gases, etc. 

A violation of the Ontario Fire Code is a chargeable offence. It is the responsibility of the home owner, building owner, business owner to ensure the building is in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code at all times. 

Types of Inspections

Complaint: A request for a complaint inspection can be made by any member of the community that is concerned with a Fire Code concern. Requester’s information is kept strictly confidential.

Routine: Vulnerable Occupancies (Nursing homes, Retirement Homes, Group homes and Hospitals) are required to initiate routine annual inspections with the Fire Department. These routine inspections are a requirement of the Ontario Fire Code.

Request: A request for inspection can be made by any member of the community.

Fees: Fire Department inspection fees are applicable to most inspections. Please refer to the Fees and Charges By-law for associated fees, as amended on the Township's Civic Web Portal where all Township By-laws are e-published. 

Rights of Entry

The FPPA allows for North Frontenac Fire Department, Fire Inspectors to enter a premise at any reasonable time without advance warning or an appointment. Landlords are permitted to enter tenant suites/space with 24 hours’ notice to assess fire safety concerns. In emergency situations, the 24-hour notice requirement is not applicable.

Open Air Burning and Permits

Outdoor fires are allowed between the hours of 7pm and 7am from April 1st to October 31st in any calendar year, under compliance with the current burning rules and bans.

Qualified Commercial Operators Burn Permit

Apply for a Qualified Commercial Operators Burn

Open Air Burn

Ensure the following before starting an open air burn

  • The conditions are safe and suitable for said fire
  • There are adequate adults competent to control the fire in attendance from start to extinguishment
  • There are no fire bans in place at the time
  • The rules and regulations of the By-Law are followed
  • There are adequate personnel, equipment and water to control and extinguish the fire
  • The fire is on bare mineral soil or rock and is at least 3 meters (9.75 feet) from any flammable material

View and download our Burning By-law for more information on the Township's Civic Web Portal where all Township By-laws are e-published..

Flying Lanterns

No person within the Township of North Frontenac shall ignite or release an ignited Flying Lantern.

View our Burning By-Law for more information on the Township's Civic Web Portal where all Township By-laws are e-published.

Recruitment

Download the North Frontenac Fire Department application for membership form and return to the township office 6648 Road 506 Plevna, Ontario K0H 2M0 attention: Eric Korhonen, director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief for consideration.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be 16 year of age or older (recruits under the age of 18 shall not be permitted to work during school hours unless permission is granted)
  • Shall provide a copy of a valid driver's licence and Driver's abstract
  • Shall complete a criminal background check
  • Shall provide a satisfactory Pre-Employment medical report.

Smoke Alarms

Types of Smoke Alarms: Ionization vs. Photoelectric

Ionization smoke alarms detect fast flaming fire while photoelectric smoke alarms detect smoldering fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to provide fewer false alarms in kitchen and bathroom areas of the home. Having a mixture of both types of alarms in your home provides added safety. You can also buy smoke alarms that combine both photoelectric and ionization detection.

Replacing Alarms

The Ontario Fire Code requires that smoke alarms be replaced with the time frame indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, and also found on the bottom of the alarm. Smoke alarms usually need to be replaced every 10 years.

Replacing the Batteries

Conventional smoke alarm batteries should be replaced annually, and when the low-battery indicator sounds. When replacing batteries, ensure the replacements are compatible with the manufacturer's recommendations.

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