Fire Safety

The Dundalk Fire Department recommends attending a professional firework show as this is the safest way to view them. However, if you purchase common fireworks make sure to follow the Township of Southgate fireworks by-law and remember that almost all firework related injuries happen because of improper handling and a disregard to safety.

Along with personal responsibility and awareness, the following are some safety tips from purchasing and setting up, to the fireworks show.

Purchasing:

• Follow the Township of Southgate fireworks by-law
• Purchase your fireworks from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards

Setting Up:

• Read the instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework.
• Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the fireworks being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks.
• Set up outdoors, in clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability. 
• Check the wind and ensure it is blowing in the opposite direction as the spectators. 
• Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand/

Fireworks Show:

• Only adults (18 years or older) should handle fireworks
• DO NOT use fireworks if you are impaired
• Light only one firework at a time
• Wear protective eyewear and gloves.
• Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources
• Never attempt to re-light a "dud" or defective firework
• Never hold a lit firework in your hand

Fore more information on firework safety, visit.

Farming is a unique workplace environment. Farmers and farm labourers often work in the outdoors, exposed to the elements, handling and caring for animals, operating machinery, and working alone for long periods of time.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) Support Farmers and Farm Workers by ensuring that there is proper legislation and workplace safety standards.

Click on the links to access valuable safety information:

https://ofa.on.ca/issues/farm-labour-safety/

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/safe.htm#1

https://www.wsps.ca/farm-safety-training/farm-safety.aspx

https://www.casa-acsa.ca/en/canadian-agricultural-safety-association/

Safety Tips

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local governments.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don't have to use extension cords.
• Use a light bulb with the right number of watts. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts. 

 Electrical Safety Fact Sheet

 For more information on electrical safety, click here.

Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires.

Cook with Caution

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't use the stove or stovetop
• Always stay in the kitchen while you are cooking, if you must leave, turn the stove off.
• Keep anything that can catch fire - over mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding by a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire...

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.

Cooking Safety Fact Sheet

Grilling Safety

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors
• Grill should be places well away from the home, deck railing and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grill area
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in the trays below
• Never leave the grill unattended
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before igniting it

Grilling Safety Fact Sheet

Sprinkler systems are a great first line of defense against fires in your home. There are many benefits of having a home sprinkler system. Stopping a fire in its early stages with minimal water usage will protect your property from unnecessary damage. Risks to firefighters is also mitigated when a sprinkler system is in place. The environmental impact from sprinkler systems helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97%, water usage is reduced to more than 50%. There are also fewer pollutants in the wastewater of sprinkler compared to traditional fire suppression tactics. For more information on Home Fire Sprinkler systems please click here.