Fire Prevention and Public Education

Smoke alarm and evacuation plan

Fire and life safety education is an important element of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services to increase awareness of the need for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and home escape planning, subsequently reducing the risk and impact of fires in our municipality.

The Fire Prevention Division is responsible for inspections, investigations, plan reviews, and public education.

The minimum acceptable level of service is identified in a Public Fire Safety Guideline issued by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.

Learn about potential fire hazards in your home

Summer Safety

BBQ Safety

Would it truly be summer without the flavours of the grill? BBQ's are a popular choice for prepping the perfect summer meal. To keep you and your family safe this summer, please remember the following grilling safety tips:

When buying a BBQ, chose one that contains a CSA or ULC label. Follow all manufacturers instructions and have it repaired by qualified professionals.
Before using, check that the burners, tubes under the burners and flexible hoses are clean and are in good condition.
Find leaks by applying 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.
Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clean burner ports and make sure they are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris.
Look at the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace it if cracked or damaged.
Never use a BBQ indoors. This includes garages.

Storm Safety

Summer weather is not always sunshine and nice temperatures. Storms and natural disasters can sometimes occur without warning and can have a devastating effect on you and your home. You can greatly reduce the risk of fires and injury by being able to identify potential hazards and following these outlined safety tips:

When a threat of dangerous weather approaches, get to cover immediately.
Generators are often used during power outages. Ensure you are maintaining your generator all year round so it is ready to go in the event of a power outage.
Be aware of and avoid downed power lines. Assume all lines on the ground are electrically charged.
If your home has sustained flood damage, if safe to do so, turn off the main breaker or fuse box to the house.
Maintain a 72-hour emergency kit for you and your family.

Core Services for Fire Prevention Division

The core services that must be provided are a simplified risk assessment, a smoke alarm program, distribution of fire safety education material to residents and inspections upon complaint or when requested to assist with code compliance.

Smoke alarms

Find out about smoke alarm installation, maintenance, and testing in your home.

Learn about smoke alarm requirements

Alarmed for life

Learn about this home fire safety awareness program that helps to keep our community safe.

Discover the alarmed for life program

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms are required in all homes. Learn about why you need CO alarms on all floors.

Find out more about carbon monoxide

Building inspections

Building fire inspections are based on mandated inspections, complaints, requests and routine inspections. Building permit plans are reviewed for fire protection equipment to confirm compliance with the Ontario Building Code and referenced standards.

Learn about building permits