Fire crews to go door-to-door to discuss home safety plans

Cobourg, ON (July 23, 2024)– The Town of Cobourg would like to advise residents that the Cobourg Fire Department has launched a Home Smoke Alarm Program.

The intent of the Home Smoke Alarm program is to ensure residents have the knowledge and tools in place to safely escape their homes in the case of a fire or carbon monoxide emergency. Members of the Cobourg Fire Department will be going door-to-door asking residents about:

Working Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of the home and outside sleeping areas. Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling. If this is not possible, install the alarm high up on a wall. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing smoke alarms.

Home Escape Plans
It is important that everyone in your home know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds. The Cobourg Fire Department encourages all residents to make a home fire escape plan including all possible emergency exits and two potential exits out of every room, if possible.

Meeting areas
Residents are encouraged to choose a meeting place that is a safe distance from their home that everyone will remember.

“The most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep,” says Chief, Ellard Beaven. “We strongly encourage all residents, especially those who have small children, or those with mobility issues, to practice their home escape plans. When the alarm sounds, it can be scary and overwhelming. Practicing with your children, will give them the knowledge and awareness they need to help them escape a fire. A few minutes of planning will save valuable seconds in a real emergency.”

For questions about the Home Smoke Alarm program, please contact the Cobourg Fire Department at 905-372-9789.