Fire safety tips for students

Fire safety education has come a long way since learning how to “stop, drop and roll.” In addition to what students learn about fire prevention at school, consider the following fire prevention and safety tips from Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES).

Fire safety for children

Beyond participating in fire drills at school, ensure that in-home after-school care and/or babysitters have working smoke alarms. There are also other tips to consider:

• A smoke alarm should be on each level of the home, and it is recommended to install an alarm in any sleeping areas where children may nap during their stay.
• If cooking, keep pot handles turned into the centre of the stove – ultimately, out of reach for children. Avoid deep-frying food when younger children are in the kitchen.
• Keep appliance cords away from children, all it takes is one tug to pull small appliances down.
• Keep matches, lighters and smoking materials away.

Fire safety for teenagers

• Laptops, phones, e-bikes, e-scooters and other products are common items used by teenagers. Always charge your lithium-ion battery products, safely.
• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Running errands and trying to keep up with a busy schedule? Turn off small electrical items after you are done using them, for example, hot hair tools, irons and other items.

Fire safety tips for adult students

Living in student housing while attending college or university? Moving away from family members for the first time is a step that adds more individual responsibility all at once.

• Always follow essential cooking safety tips in the kitchen.
• Tenants, living in student housing, rentals or leased properties should know their role and the homeowner’s role in fire prevention. For example, landlords are required, by law, to install and maintain smoke alarms in working condition.
• Fires can happen at any time, any event. If you are attending parties or hanging out with friends, remember safety comes first. Never toss hot cigarettes butts or ashes in the trash can, garden or planters. After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn quickly.
• Don’t smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.
• Learn your building’s evacuation plan and practice all drills as if they were the real thing.

Everyone has a responsibility to prevent fires, including students, parents and educators. Always remember to create or review a fire escape plan and identify a meeting point for everyone.

Interested in learning more? Visit Mississauga.ca/fire for more information and have a safe and wonderful 2024/2025 school year ahead, Mississauga!

Tags

• Fire and Emergency Services