Home Fire Safety

• Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the appliance.
• Always keep a large lid near the stove when you are cooking and if the pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove.
• Unplug kettles, frying pans and other appliances when not in use.
• Always wear short or tight fitting sleeves while cooking.
• Never attempt to carry a burning pot or pan.
• Never use water on a grease fire. Buy a ULC listed multi-purpose type (ABC rated) portable fire extinguisher and learn how to use the extinguisher, so that if needed, you are prepared.

• Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct size for their circuit. If you do not know the correct size, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the same size fuse.
• Make sure cords are in good condition and not frayed or cracked. Make sure they are placed out of traffic areas. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard or to another object. Do not place cords under carpets or rugs or rest any furniture on them.
• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. The use of extension cords as permanent wiring is a violation under the Ontario Fire Code.
• Make sure all light bulbs are the correct wattage for the size of the light fixture.

• Smoke outdoors instead of inside, if you are able. 
• Never smoke when you are in bed, extremely tired or intoxicated.
• Use deep, sturdy, non-combustible ashtrays that can’t tip easily. Empty into non-combustible containers, such as a coffee tin, and allow to cool for at least 24 hours prior to throwing out. Dousing ashes and butts with water can also be effective prior to discarding.
• Always check seat cushions and floors for cigarette butts/smoking materials prior to leaving the house or going to bed.
• Don’t extinguish smoking materials in plant pots. Dry vegetation, such as leaves, mulch or peat moss can ignite from contact with hot embers from smoking materials.
• Smoking materials should not be tossed away or flicked off of balconies. 
• Keep matches, lighters and smoking materials out of the reach of children.

For resources and supports on how to quit smoking: Hamilton.ca/quitsmoking 
For more information about smoke-free housing: www.smokefreehousingon.ca

• Never leave a candle unattended for any reason. If you are leaving the room, extinguish the candle.
• Always place the candle on a solid, level surface, away from windows and all materials that could catch on fire including drapes and curtains.
• Candles can be easily knocked over so keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Never carry a lit candle.
• Always use the proper type of holder for the candle.

Lithium-ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries power many consumer products. This includes phones, computers, power tools, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, e-scooters, e-cigarettes, toys, e-bikes, and electric vehicles. These batteries are essential for modern electronics, but they also require proper care and handling. To stay safe from lithium-ion battery fires, follow these important safety tips: 

• Keep devices dry. Some devices, such as toys and power tools, often lack watertight seals, so exposure to moisture can allow water to seep into the battery, leading to dangerous chemical reactions. 
• Inspect for damaged batteries before use. If defects are found, do not use and place them away from flammable and combustible materials. 
• Only use batteries and chargers that have one of the recognized Canadian certification marks, such as CSA, ULC and cETL 
• Never attempt to modify, tamper with or build your own lithium-ion batteries. 
• Charge your cell phone, tablet, laptop and electronics safely by following these tips: 
  • Keep your battery in sight when charging and unplug it when charging is complete. 
  • Use the charger that came with your device. If you need a replacement, buy from a trusted source and ensure it's compatible with your device. 
  • Remove batteries/devices from their charger when fully charged. 
  • Charge your device on a hard surface, not on soft surfaces like beds, couches, or under pillows. 
  • If possible, charge larger items (like e-bikes, electric scooters or wheelchairs) away from exit doors, in the event they catch fire. 
  • Charge your battery before it drops below 30% for better longevity and safety, but avoid keeping it at 100% for long periods. 
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions when charging a battery. 
• Immediately discontinue use of a battery that feels hot or shows damage. 
• Dispose batteries safely. They should never be placed in the garbage. Drop them off at a City of Hamilton Community Recycling Centre site or check here for battery recycling locations: https://locations.call2recycle.ca/on/hamilton/

For more information and great safety tips, visit https://www.chargedforlife.ca (English or French selections available).

Button or Coin Battery Information

Little kids love to explore, and when they find something new, what’s the first thing they do? Put it in their mouths. Electronic devices are getting smaller, slimmer and sleeker. There are mini remote controls, small calculators, watches, key fobs, flameless candles and musical greeting cards. Kids love to pick them up, play with them and take them apart, often exposing dangerous button batteries inside. 

If swallowed, button batteries can become lodged in a child's throat. The child's saliva instantly triggers an electrical current causing a chemical reaction that can burn through the esophagus, the windpipe and the main artery. This can take as little as two hours. Even after the battery is removed, the severity of the burn can continue to worsen. Depleted or dead batteries can still carry enough charge to cause serious injuries and death. 

If you suspect your child has ingested a battery, go to the hospital immediately. Don’t induce vomiting or have your child eat or drink anything until assessed by a medical professional. 

Here are few things to remember to make sure these batteries stay where they belong. 

• Keep coin lithium battery-controlled devices out of sight and reach of children. These include: remote controls, singing greeting cards, digital scales, watches, hearing aids, thermometers, children’s toys, calculators, key fobs, t-light candles, flashing holiday jewelry or decorations. 
• Check regularly that button battery compartments are secure. 
• Keep loose batteries locked away or place a piece of duct tape over the controller to prevent small children from accessing the battery. 
• When replacing button batteries, make sure that used batteries are discarded quickly and properly and are out of sight and reach of children. 
• Place pieces of non-conductive tape (packing, transparent or electrical tape) on either side of button batteries after removing them from products and before disposing of them. 
• Share this life-saving information with caregivers, friends, family members and sitters. It only takes a minute, and it could save a life. 

For more information about button battery safety, visit the Government of Canada's page on Battery Safety: Button Batteries.