Fire Prevention and Public Education

Fireworks Safety

If you choose to have family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services wants to remind residents some important safety tips to minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries:

• Only adults who are aware of the hazards and safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks
• The adult discharging the fireworks should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging
• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees, and dry grass and only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard
• Light only one firework at a time and only when they are in a container or on the ground. Always light the fuse at its tip. Never try to light a firework in your hand.
• Remember, in the Municipality of Port Hope fireworks may only be set off on Victoria Day and Canada Day.

BBQ Safety

It's BBQ season. Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services wants everyone to stay safe this summer with the help of our BBQ safety tips:

• 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
• Find leaks by applying a 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

RV and Cottage Safety 

This warm weather is starting to feel like the unofficial start to summer. Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services wants everyone to enjoy the summer safely. As you start to use your cottage, RV or trailer be sure to:

• Install smoke alarms in your cottage on every storey and outside all sleeping areas
• Make sure your RV has a smoke alarm, and a propane detector
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your cottage or RV
• Test existing smoke alarms as soon as you open the cottage or RV. Cold temperatures can affect battery performance
• Develop and practice a fire escape plan to ensure everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. Help may be a lot further away than at home

Heat Awareness 

On a hot day, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can rise to dangerous levels rapidly. Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services remind you to always check the back seat for children and pets!

• Even on a mild day with windows open and parked in the shade, the temperature in a vehicle can reach life-threatening levels
• Children and family pets cannot be left in a vehicle, even for a short time, and even with the windows down
• Always make sure all children and family pets are out of the vehicle when you reach your destination and don't forget sleeping infants