Fire safety

This section outlines procedures and responsibilities for residents and building personnel in a fire emergency.

The safe and orderly evacuation of all personnel in the building is of paramount importance. The following procedures are intended to achieve this goal in the event of a crisis, not only from fire, but also from any other physical emergency.

You are reminded not to do or permit anything to be done in the unit or bring or keep anything therein which will in any way create a risk of fire. For safety reasons, only artificial, non-combustible Christmas Trees are permitted.

For those residents who require assistance if there is an emergency or an evacuation becomes necessary should complete the "Persons Requiring Special Assistance Information Form". Please ensure you keep management up-to-date of any changes. The Corporation is required by law to keep a current list available.

Whenever fire occurs, the risk to life and property are major concerns. The actions taken by the person who discovers a fire can make the difference between a minor incident and a major catastrophe. It is for this reason that a comprehensive fire safety plan was written.

It is crucial that residents are familiar with the contents of the fire safety plan and regularly participate in the scheduled fire drills so that they have the knowledge and practical experience needed to act competently in an actual fire emergency.

1. Alert all occupants in your apartment of the fire.

2. Leave the fire area immediately, proceed to the nearest exit and activate the Fire Alarm System by using the manual pull station at the exit stair.

3. Provide assistance to those who need help to evacuate.

4. Close all doors behind you.

5. Call the Toronto Fire Services (Dial 911) from a safe place (never assume this has been done). Know and give the correct address and location of the fire in the building.

6. Use exit stairwells to leave the building immediately. (If you encounter smoke in an exit, use alternate exit.)

7. Do not use elevators

8. Do not return until Toronto Fire Services has declared the situation safe.

1. The alert signal indicates that there is a potential fire condition somewhere in the building.

2. Evacuate or prepare to leave and evacuate on a moment’s notice; the decision is yours. If you choose to evacuate follow the directions outlined in “upon hearing an alarm signal or being made aware of a fire”. If you choose to remain in your unit follow the directions outlined in “if you become trapped or decide to remain in your unit”.

3. Listen to announcements and instructions over the voice communication system.

1. Evacuate the building.

2. If doors are encountered on the way to an exit, feel the knob for heat before opening the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If you feel air pressure or a hot draft, close the door quickly and proceed to an alternate exit.

3. If you find no fire or smoke in corridor, close doors behind you and leave by nearest exit stairwell.

4. If you encounter smoke in corridor or stairwell, consider taking corridor to other side of building where another stairwell may be clear, or return to your unit.

5. If there are occupants who are visiting your place of residence who may not be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan and exit routes, assist them in exiting the building.

6. If you require assistance to exit the building, REMAIN in your unit and follow the guidelines for remaining within unit.

7. Do not return until Toronto Fire Services has declared the situation safe.

1. If in a room, attempt to keep smoke from entering the room.

2. Use duct tape (if available) to seal cracks around doors, vents and air ducts. Place a towel or piece of clothing, preferably wet, at the bottom of the door to prevent smoke from entering.

3. Unlock door for possible entry of firefighters.

4. Keep low to the floor where the air is cleaner.

5. If smoke enters room, move to the most smoke-free room, close door, and seal with duct tape and towels. Open windows for fresh air and to signal rescuers by hanging sheet out the window.

6. Attempt to contact authorities to advise them of your location. Dial 911, then, if possible, signal to the firefighters.

7. Wait to be rescued. Remain Calm. Do not panic or jump.

In general, residents are advised to:

1. Be fully acquainted with the fire protection installations that are provided for your safety.

2. Should you have questions regarding fire emergency procedures, contact your supervisor staff.

3. Know the building address: 12/14 York Street, Toronto, Ontario

The policy of the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office, and the approach widely accepted by the Fire Departments is that the best place to be in a fire is outside the building. If you choose to leave the building, do so as soon as possible. When you hear a fire alarm, you should make up your mind right away whether to leave the unit or stay. Leaving later may create problems for you because smoke, which contains poisonous gases, may have filled the corridor or the stairwell.

In the event that a small fire cannot be extinguished with the use of a portable fire extinguisher or the smoke presents a hazard to the operator, then the door to the area should be closed to confine and contain the fire. Leave the fire area, ensure the Fire Department has been notified and wait for the Fire Department. Once the pull station has been activated the nature and location of the alarm is automatically indicated on a fire alarm/enunciator panel, located in the main entrance foyer.

Fire hose cabinets are strategically located on each floor and in the garage. Additional fire extinguishers may be found in the mechanical areas.

The elevators have a backup system in case of a power failure. The elevators will return to the ground floor automatically. There are telephones in the elevators that are connected to the fire control room in your building. If you require assistance the elevator phone is there for your assistance.

In order to avoid hazards in the building, occupants are advised to:

• Not store propane, gasoline or any other combustible material in your locker/unit or on your balcony.

• Not put burning materials, such as cigarettes and ashes into garbage chutes.

• Not dispose of flammable liquids in the garbage chutes.

• Never force cartons, coat hangers, and bundles of paper into garbage chute because it may become blocked.

• Avoid unsafe cooking practices, (deep fat frying, too much heat, unattended stoves, loosely hanging sleeves).

• Not use unsafe electrical appliances, frayed extension cords, over-loaded outlets or lamp wire for permanent wiring.

• Avoid careless smoking, use ashtrays, and never smoke in bed.

• Not leave articles, such as shoes, rubbers, mats, etc., in the building halls.

• Disposal of hot items in the garbage may result in fire. Please ensure when depositing items in your garbage pail that they are properly cooled.

If you or someone in your unit requires special assistance during an emergency or evacuation of the building, please ensure that you fill in the attached Special Assistance Information Form and submit it to the property management.