Fire Department

Emergency Preparedness

School & Fire Department resources

Suggested activities and implementation guide

Fire Prevention Week provides an excellent opportunity for fire departments to promote fire prevention and life safety in B.C. communities. Use this year’s theme of Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your EscapeTM to focus your activities,or use any relevant fire or life safety topic to engage your community. Download the Fire Prevention Week Activities Implementation Guide below for tips and ideas. Be sure to also explore the NFPA’s website for a whole host of excellent resources.

Activities Implementation Guide (PDF)

Home Escape Planning How-to

News release template

Fire Prevention Week provides an ideal opportunity to educate the public about the importance of fire and life safety. Download the template news release and fill in the details specific to your community.

Fire Prevention Week news release (DOC)

Proclamations

Issuing a proclamation is a great way to recognize the significance of Fire Prevention Week. Download and use the templates below to issue a proclamation in your community.

Mayor’s proclamation (DOC)

Town proclamation (DOC)

Check out the Fire Prevention Week 2019 proclamation signed by the Attorney General and the Lieutenant Governor!

School fire drill checklist

Download and print the following checklist, or modify it to suit your school’s needs, to help you run a a successful fire drill during Fire Prevention Week (or any time of year!).

Fire drill checklist (DOC)

Safety Stars program

Fire Prevention Week is an excellent time to recognize individuals who have contributed to fire and life safety in your community, and the Safety Star Program is a great way to honour them. Download the Safety Stars program information sheet by clicking on the button below.

Safety Stars program (PDF)

Fire Chief for-a-day resources

We want to hear from you!

Please provide any feedback on the Fire Prevention Week resources offered by the Office of the Fire Commissioner by submitting the following form:

Feedback form (PDF)

Additional Information

Content from NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week website may not be copied, reproduced, sold or in any way distributed for commercial purposes. Fire departments, schools, civic groups, work places and the media are encouraged to copy and distribute all or significant portions of the material on the website, but not otherwise revise or alter the material. Materials used from the website must include the following attribution line and link back to NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week site:

Reproduced from NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week website. © 2019 NFPA

Smoke Detector

SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES

Any unpaid False Fire Alarm Fees by December 31, 2019 will be transferred to your next property tax bill. See below for more information on preventing false fire alarms and payment options. A working smoke alarm is one of the easiest, most cost effective ways to protect your family in the event of a house fire. A working smoke alarm will increase your chances of surviving a house fire by 74%. As outlined by the BC Ministry of Justice and Emergency Management’s Smoke Alarm Bulletin, under the British Columbia Fire Code, all dwellings (homes, and all sleeping rooms sometimes referred to as lodging or hotel rooms) are required to be protected by smoke alarms.

Free Smoke Alarm Installation Program

The City Fire Service is committed to ensuring that all of the citizens of the City, especially our most vulnerable demographics, are protected by a functioning smoke alarm. Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do I have working smoke alarms in my home?
  • Does my smoke alarm sound when I push the test button?
  • Have I changed my smoke alarm(s) within the last 10 years?
If your answer to any of these questions is "no" and you live in a single-family home, duplex or townhouse, you can ask the City Fire Service to install a free smoke alarm. This device will ensure that you and your family are protected until you can have your existing interconnected hard-wired alarms serviced by a professional electrician. Please complete the form below and a member of the department will be in touch to schedule your smoke alarm installation.

HomeSafe Program

If you are unsure of the status of your smoke alarms, we can help you with that too. Ask the department for a Homesafe Inspection. During the Homesafe Inspection, members of the department will:
  • check your smoke alarms
  • make cooking safety recommendations. More than half of all residential fires are caused by cooking.
  • check for safe use of electrical devices including extension cords and power bars
  • discuss candle, matches and lighter safety
  • go over your home fire escape plan
  • cover a variety of fire and general safety topics
There is no cost for a HomeSafe Inspection. If your smoke alarms are not working, we will install a new alarm for free. At the end of the inspection, we will provide you with a written record of our findings and recommendations. This record is for your use only and does not carry any legal obligations. Request a Free Smoke Alarm or HomeSafe Inspection Request for Inspection (Punjabi Version) Review the following HomeSafe brochures for more information:

Preventing False Fire Alarms

The invoicing of false fire alarms is intended, in part, to:
  • motivate owners to ensure their fire alarm systems are serviced, maintained, and in proper working order;
  • modify behaviour that leads to false alarms; and
  • recover the costs of attendance.
False alarms occupy valuable and limited resources. Whenever the City Fire Service arrives on scene due to a false alarm, firefighters must investigate to ensure there is no fire. While firefighters are attending a false alarm, they cannot be deployed at other incidents where they may be required. This may ultimately impact the health and safety of all City residents. Note: This information relates only to False Fire Alarms. All other false alarm-related fees, such as security alarms, are separately administrated through Property and Payment Services. The Fire Bylaw (the "False Alarm Bylaw"), and the bylaw outlining administrative costs, establishes fees and establishes Fire Department responses to fire false alarm fees on a cost recovery basis. Any unpaid fees at December 31 will be transferred to Property Tax in arrears (interest charged on the outstanding amounts in arrears).

False Alarm Rates

Bylaw 14  sets fees for administrative costs and municipal services, and outlines current rates for false alams.

Payment Options

  • Online: my.City.ca/invoices
  • In person: City City Hall or City Fire Service Hall 1 at 123 Main Street, City
  • By mail: (Invoice or invoice number must be included with payment) City Fire Service Hall 1 at 123 Main Street, City, CoH1Z0
  • By phone: Call 604-555-1234 to pay with your credit card

Appealing a False Fire Alarm Invoice

Once you pay your false alarm invoice, you can no longer dispute it. Any invoice disputes must be registered by emailing fireprevention@City.ca within 45 days of the original invoice date. After the 45 days is over, the invoice will be considered final. Never disregard an alarm. If your home has interconnected alarms, the unit triggering the alarm may be in another area of the home. You might not see smoke, but it may be present elsewhere in the home.

Testing Your Smoke Alarms

It is important to routinely test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working. Ensure your smoke alarms are working by following these best practices:
  • Take a moment once a month and press the test button on your alarm to ensure that it still functioning.
  • If your alarm is battery powered, change the batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall.
  • Every 10 years, replace your smoke alarms with new units. Even hardwired alarms need changing every decade.

Smoke Alarm Recycling Program

Smoke alarms are not eligible for City's curbside recycling program and not all recycling drop-off depots are equipped to accept them. Find the nearest smoke alarm recycling depot in City through the Product Care Recycling website. Learn more about Fire Inspection Guidelines and general Emergency Preparedness.
CO Detectors

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)

CO is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas produced by burning carbon fuels such as propane, natural gas, oil, wood, charcoal, alcohol, kerosene or gasoline. Exposure to CO interferes with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, which can result in serious illness or death.
 

What are the sources of CO?

Common sources include gas-fired furnaces, boilers, hot water tanks, stoves, dryers and fireplaces. These items — along with the venting systems and fresh air supply into your home — should be checked at least once a year.
Gas furnace

GAS FURNACE

Gas fireplace

GAS FIREPLACE

Gas range

GAS RANGE

 

What are the symptoms of CO?

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning look a lot like a flu.

  • headache
  • confusion
Headache icon

HEADACHES AND CONFUSION

  • vomiting
  • weakness
Nausea icon

NAUSEA

  • dizziness
  • chest pain
Dizziness icon

DIZZINESS

As CO builds up in the bloodstream, symptoms change or magnify.

Look out for:
  • increased confusion and drowsiness
  • fast breathing, fast heartbeat, or increased chest pain
  • vision problems
  • seizures
Breathlessness icon

BREATHLESSNESS

Unconscious icon

LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

 

What to do if you suspect CO poisoning?

If you believe you’re being poisoned by CO, or if your CO detector goes off, turn appliances off and get out of the building, then seek medical attention. If you are unable to leave the dwelling, move next to an open window or an open door. Don’t return to the area until you’re sure it’s safe — if you’re not sure, wait for the fire department or Fortis BC to tell you everything is OK.
Evacuate icon

Call emergency icon

Medical attention icon

1GET EVERYONE OUTSIDE

2CALL 911 OR YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER

3SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

 

How to prevent CO exposure

Schedule an annual appliance inspection

Contact a licensed gas contractor to take a look at your gas appliances (your stove, furnace, fireplace, etc) and venting systems to confirm they’re in good working order. Find a licensed gas contractor near you. FIND A CONTRACTOR  

Install a Canadian-certified CO alarm

Look for a certification mark from a certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. (Check here for certification/approval marks that are acceptable in BC: Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions that in most cases say to put it in the hallway outside your bedrooms and on each level of your home. If your alarm isn’t hardwired, check your batteries twice a year. And if it’s more than seven years old (check the end of like date), get a new one. Units with sealed lithium batteries require no battery replacement or maintenance.  

Never ignore any activation of a CO alarm

Know the difference between an actual alarm sound versus the low battery or end of life warning. Never ignore any activation of a CO alarm. Although the alarm can be triggered by gases or conditions other than CO, an activation must be investigated to determine the cause.  

Never operate portable fuel-burning devices indoor

Never operate portable fuel-burning devices such as camp stoves, barbecues or generators indoors, in closed spaces or near open windows.  

CO Awareness Week

November 1 to 7, 2019 was Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in B.C. During this time, fire departments, life safety educators, government and industry worked together to teach people about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and how to avoid exposure to this colourless and odourless gas. The effects can be devastating, and every year people die or are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. This can be prevented by having all fuel-burning appliances in your home serviced each yer and having functioning CO alarms that will signal an alert when the gas is present. If you are a fire and life safety educator or work for a fire department, use the digital resources and campaign toolkit on this site to raise awareness in your community about staying safe from CO. DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT

Common questions

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What is carbon monoxide?
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that you can’t see or smell, which can be harmful if you are exposed to it. It's produced when fuels are burned incompletely, including natural gas, propane, wood, tobacco and gasoline.
Where does carbon monoxide come from?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poison gas that is a by-product of burning gasoline, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, gasoline or propane. It can come from:
  • Furnaces, gas range/stove, gas clothes dryer, water heater, portable fuel-burning space heaters, fireplaces, generators and wood-burning stoves;
  • Portable heaters and stoves, such as those used for camping;
  • Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached garage or other enclosed space;
  • Blocked chimney or flue;
  • Cracked or loose furnace exchanger;
  • Second-hand smoke;
  • Back drafting and changes in air pressure; or
  • BBQs and grills.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled, which is why it’s sometimes called the "invisible killer". It  reduces oxygenation in the body by displacing oxygen absorption at a cellular level.
  • Unlike many other toxins and poisons, CO doesn’t irritate your body or cause pain—meaning there’s often no warning or danger signs of its presence.
  • Initial symptoms are similar to the flu without a fever and can include dizziness, severe headaches, nausea/vomiting, sleepiness, blurred vision, fatigue/weakness, disorientation/confusion and loss of consciousness.
  • CO poisoning can be particularly dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.
  • People may end up with irreversible brain damage, or even die, before anyone realizes there's a problem.
How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Proper Installation Ensure any fuel-burning appliances—and the supporting ventilation systems—are installed by a licensed contractor. Be sure to operate them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep chimneys clear of animal nests, leaves and residue to ensure proper venting. Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts used by water heaters, ranges and clothes dryers. Find a licensed contractor at www.technicalsafetybc.ca/find-contractor Regular Maintenance Every fuel-burning heating appliance—new or old—has the potential to generate dangerous levels of CO without any obvious signs of failure. Have all fuel-burning heating appliances cleaned and inspected annually. Find a licensed contractor at www.technicalsafetybc.ca/find-contractor Install CO Alarms Install at least one battery-powered carbon monoxide (CO) alarm or AC-powered unit with battery backup on each level of your home and near sleeping areas. Test and check all CO alarms in your home twice a year. Replace CO alarms according to manufacturers’ instructions. Other Tips Always use portable generators, BBQs, camp stoves or other similar devices away from doors, windows, vents and other openings. Never use them indoors, including inside a garage (even if the doors are open) or other enclosed or partially enclosed area. Never use a gas range, stove or oven to heat the home. Never leave your car idling in a closed garage. If your vehicle has an automatic engine starter, check to make sure your vehicle is off it is in the garage. Never use fuel-powered appliances or tools in enclosed, attached areas such as garages or porches.
What happens if someone is exposed to carbon monoxide?
  • Carbon monoxide (CO) inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen and can cause health problems before you even notice that it's present.
  • At low levels, effects include flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, shortness of breath and impaired motor functions.
  • At high levels, or if you are exposed to low levels for long periods of time, you can experience dizziness, chest pain, poor vision and difficulty thinking.
  • At very high levels, it can cause convulsions, coma and death.
  • If you suspect CO poisoning, get into fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1 or  your local emergency number. Once you're at the hospital, treatment may involve:
    • Breathing pure oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth. This helps oxygen reach your organs and tissues. If you can't breathe on your own, a machine (ventilator) may be used.
    • In many cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recommended. This therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a chamber in which the air pressure is about two to three times higher than normal. This speeds the replacement of carbon monoxide with oxygen in your blood.
Should I have a carbon monoxide alarm? Where should it be installed?
  • Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance/heater, attached garage or fireplace should have a  carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.
  • Ideally, an alarm should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas and placed at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances. If the home has only one CO alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hallway outside of the sleeping area.
  • Do not install a CO alarm near windows or vents, bathrooms, heating or fuel-burning appliances, smoke alarms (unless a combination alarm) or at the peak of a vaulted ceiling.
  • Make sure nothing is covering or obstructing the unit.
  • Test the CO alarm at least once a month by pressing the test/reset button.
  • Every month, unplug the unit and vacuum with a soft-brush attachment or wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove accumulated dust.
  • Replace batteries and the entire unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
  • If anyone is experiencing symptoms, leave your home immediately and move to fresh air. Do not try to locate the source of carbon monoxide. Once outside, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number from a mobile phone or neighbour’s house.
  • If no one is experiencing symptoms, go outside and call the fire department or a qualified technician from a mobile phone or neighbor's home to have the problem inspected.
  • If you are unable to leave the home to call for help, open the doors and windows and turn off all possible sources while you are waiting for assistance to arrive.
  • Return to your home only after the problem has been fixed by a professional.
  • Under no circumstance should an alarm be ignored!
What else do I need to know about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning?
  • Mercaptan is added to natural gas to make leaks easier to detect and smells like rotten eggs. A natural gas leak is NOT the same as accumulation of carbon monoxide.
  • Look for carbon monoxide (CO) alarm models with the seal of an approved certification agency such as the Canadian Gas Association or the Canadian Standards Association and the replacement date and warranty period clearly listed.
  • Have heating systems, vents, chimneys and/or flues inspected every year by a licensed contractor. Regularly examine vents and chimneys for improper connections, visible rust and stains.
  • Install and operate fuel-burning appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always use portable generators, BBQs, camp stoves or other similar devices away from doors, windows, vents and other openings. Never use them indoors, including inside a garage (even if the doors are open) or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, like a tent.
  • Never use a gas range, stove or oven to heat a home.
  • Never leave your car idling in a closed garage. If your vehicle has an automatic engine starter, check to make sure your vehicle is off it is in the garage.
  • Never use fuel-powered appliances or tools in enclosed, attached areas, such as garages or porches.
Fire Safety Resources

The City Emergency Program (CEP) works to make sure our city is as prepared as possible for emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, severe storms and major fires. This public safety program is managed by the City Fire Department and operates under City's Emergency Bylaw. Learn how to create emergency plans, and how to get involved in emergency preparedness efforts by joining organizations like the Emergency Social Services Program, City Search & Rescue or the Amateur Radio Society. Contact the City Emergency Program at Cityemergencyprogram@City.ca.
English
French
History of Fire Prevention Week and Fire Safety Starts with You!
The history of National Fire Prevention Week has it roots in the great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8, 1871, and killed some 300 people, left 100,000 homeless and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. The popular story is that a cow knocked over an oil lamp in the O’Leary barn. Although the fire is still undetermined, and it has been established that the O’Leary’s were asleep at the time the fire started, the massive fire swiftly took its toll, burning more than 2000 acres in 27 hours. In Canada, the first national Fire Prevention Day proclamation was issued by the Governor-General in 1919. From the beginning, it was apparent that a united effort between Canada and the U.S.A. would give the work greater impetus. To this end fire prevention organizations in both countries have always supported a common date at federal, state, provincial, and municipal levels. Fire Prevention Week falls each year in the week that includes October 9. British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory fire departments coordinate efforts to reach children in kindergarten through grade three during Fire Prevention Week by developing the Fire Safety Starts with You! supplemental brochure. This helps fire and life safety educators deliver consistent, accurate fire safety messages with information on preventing fires, knowing what to do in case of a fire, smoke alarms and developing home escape plans. Each year the message is tailored to follow the NFPA theme with activity booklets, lesson plans for teachers and fire safety messages to take home.
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School & Fire Department resources

Suggested activities and implementation guide
Fire Prevention Week provides an excellent opportunity for fire departments to promote fire prevention and life safety in B.C. communities. Use this year's theme of Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your EscapeTM to focus your activities,or use any relevant fire or life safety topic to engage your community. Download the Fire Prevention Week Activities Implementation Guide below for tips and ideas. Be sure to also explore the NFPA’s website for a whole host of excellent resources. Activities Implementation Guide (PDF) Home Escape Planning How-to
News release template
Fire Prevention Week provides an ideal opportunity to educate the public about the importance of fire and life safety. Download the template news release and fill in the details specific to your community. Fire Prevention Week news release (DOC)
Proclamations
Issuing a proclamation is a great way to recognize the significance of Fire Prevention Week. Download and use the templates below to issue a proclamation in your community. Mayor's proclamation (DOC) Town proclamation (DOC) Check out the Fire Prevention Week 2019 proclamation signed by the Attorney General and the Lieutenant Governor!
School fire drill checklist
Download and print the following checklist, or modify it to suit your school's needs, to help you run a a successful fire drill during Fire Prevention Week (or any time of year!). Fire drill checklist (DOC)
Safety Stars program
Fire Prevention Week is an excellent time to recognize individuals who have contributed to fire and life safety in your community, and the Safety Star Program is a great way to honour them. Download the Safety Stars program information sheet by clicking on the button below. Safety Stars program (PDF)
Fire Chief for-a-day resources
We want to hear from you!
Please provide any feedback on the Fire Prevention Week resources offered by the Office of the Fire Commissioner by submitting the following form: Feedback form (PDF)
Additional Information

Content from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website may not be copied, reproduced, sold or in any way distributed for commercial purposes. Fire departments, schools, civic groups, work places and the media are encouraged to copy and distribute all or significant portions of the material on the website, but not otherwise revise or alter the material. Materials used from the website must include the following attribution line and link back to NFPA's Fire Prevention Week site:

Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website. © 2019 NFPA

 

More to be added soon!