Fire Safety Programs and Outreach

Fire Safety Programs

Guelph’s Fire Prevention Bureau offers a variety of community fire safety programs for various groups, agencies and associations throughout the city. Programs address fire safety at home (e.g. in a house, condo or apartment) and in workplaces (e.g. schools, offices, factories and stores). Public fire safety educators work closely with local school boards and are available and eager to make presentations to the community.

Fire Safety at Your Door

Fire Safety at Your Door “Knock and Talk” is a free, door-to-door fire-life safety education program.

On-duty Guelph firefighters in uniform will visit neighbourhoods in their station area and knock on doors during the summer and fall to talk with residents about fire-life safety. They will remind you about the importance of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, having a practiced fire escape plan, and answer any questions you may have.

When firefighters visit your home, they will use the time to ask you some questions about the following:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Your responsibility as a tenant, homeowner or landlord
• Promote fire escape planning
• Gather some non-personal program feedback
• Answer questions about fire-life safety
• Recommend fire prevention follow up, if requested

Residents do not have to take part in this program; however, it is a great opportunity to take part in the conversation, we encourage all residents to participate.

If we miss you this year or you cannot find the information you are looking for, contact the Guelph Fire Department. Call 519-763-8111 or email [email protected]. These contact channels are monitored Monday to Friday during regular business hours. If this is an emergency or you believe there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 911.

Requirements for Smoke Alarms

The Ontario law (Fire Code, Section 2.13) requires smoke alarms in homes. Some homes may have additional requirements depending on the age or type of home. Smoke alarms are required:

• On every level of the home.
• Outside all sleeping areas (for example, in a hallway or nearby).
• Smoke alarms must:
  • Be approved for use in Canada (look for the “ULC” label),
  • be installed properly (hardwired or battery-powered, depending on the home),
  • be working at all times.

Why Smoke Alarms Matter

• Smoke alarms are proven to save lives, they give you an early warning.
• Most fire deaths happen at home, often at night while you are sleeping.
• Many fire deaths happen in homes where smoke alarms are missing or not working.
• A fire can grow very quickly, doubling in size in seconds.
• Without a working smoke alarm, you may not know there is a fire until it is too late.
• It is the law to have working smoke alarms in your home.
• It is your responsibility.

If you have trouble buying, installing, or testing your smoke alarms, contact the Guelph Fire Department.

Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Starting January 1, 2026, the law requires homes having a fuel burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage, to install carbon monoxide alarms on every level and near all sleeping areas.  Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can cause serious illness or death and it is important to maintain alarms in working order at all times.

CO alarms are required if your home has any of the following:

• Fuel-burning appliances (such as a gas stove or furnace)
• Fireplace (wood, propane or natural gas)
• Attached garage
• Forced-air heating system

CO alarms must be:

• Approved for use in Canada – check for a verification label CSA or UL on the alarm
• Installed outside sleeping areas (for example, in a hallway near bedrooms)
• On every level of the home, and in some situations in mechanical/service rooms

CO alarms can be:

• Hardwired (connected to your homes electrical)
• Battery-operated
• Plug-in units

Why Carbon Monoxide Alarms Matter:

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas. You cannot see or smell it.
• CO can make you very sick or even cause death in minutes.
• Most CO incidents happen at home, often at night while people are sleeping.
• Without a working CO alarm, you may not know there is a problem until it is too late.
• Fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, and garages can produce CO.
• It is the law to have CO alarms in homes where there is a risk of CO.
• You are responsible for protecting your family or tenants.

School Visits

Elementary schools and preschool-age daycares in Guelph receive the teaching manual Learn Not to Burn. The lessons and information, written with assistance from teaching professionals, are part of the school curriculum.

Lessons include:

• Stop, drop and roll
• Feel the door before opening
• Dial 911
• Meet at a safe place

The Guelph Fire Department schedules visits at the beginning of the school year to reinforce previously taught lessons and to introduce new students to the program. Fire prevention officers present the fire safety lessons in the classroom, based upon availability firefighters will answer questions and give students an opportunity to inspect the visiting fire truck.

Grade-Specific Fire Safety Programs

The Guelph Fire Department offers grade-specific fire safety programs for school-aged children and teens. Students will acquire the basic skills necessary to respond promptly and effectively when confronted with a fire. They will also acquire proper attitudes to aid in appropriate behaviour when dealing with fire situations. The Fire Safety Hazard House and 911 telephone simulators are demonstrated during the presentations.

Guides/Scouts

The basics of fire safety are taught to the Brownies/Cubs and Guides/Scouts.

Babysitting

This program educates children about fire safety and what to do if an emergency occurs while babysitting. Lessons include fire safety, planning your escape and dangers in and around a house/apartment. We reinforce some of the points that students have been taught in the school program.

Fire Setters – the Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C)

This program is recommended for children who have set fires within or outside their home. We talk to and teach adolescents who have a fascination with fire about the dangers of fire. Children can be recommended for this program by parents, schools, and social workers if they feel there may be a danger of the child harming themselves or someone else. This is a one-on-one program, with participation by the parents.

English as a Second Language Program

This program provides new Canadians, whose first language is not English, with fire safety information and training.

Disability Program

This program provides information to individuals with special needs; explaining the services available to assist them in an emergency and what they should do in the event of a fire.

Seniors Older and Wiser Program

This is a refresher program for older adults on what safety precautions they should be taking.

The Fire Prevention Bureau also offers educational programs to industrial groups, neighbourhood groups and other groups as requested. For some sessions, we suggest a minimum of 12 participants.

Outreach

Station Tours

The Guelph Fire Department invites the public to visit its facilities. Your request must be submitted 60 days in advance. Station tours can be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. No other times are available. Tours are about one hour in length.

Please note:

• Recommended maximum group size is 30 people and a minimum of 10 participants is required.
• If the crew is not at the station when you arrive, please wait as they may be back within 10 to 20 minutes.
• All fire stations are on an “on-call” status, even during the station tour. If an emergency call comes in, the tour may be ended early.
• The Guelph Fire Department will do its best to honour your request. Should a cancellation occur your time with us will be rescheduled.
• Transportation must remain available onsite as tours may be interrupted or cancelled on short notice due to emergency calls.
• Appropriate adult/child ratio shall be maintained throughout the visit to ensure adequate control and supervision. This is one adult within your group for every five children.
• Visitors will not be permitted to handle equipment or mount any fire apparatus unless approved and supervised by fire personnel.
• These visits are meant to be educational in nature and we do not offer the facilities to accommodate parties, food or drink.

Who Is Legally Accountable?

View the table outlining the roles and responsibilities of Landlords, Homeowners and Tenants.
Note: Additional legislative provisions may apply based on occupancy type, use of the building, age of the building, renovations or additions, and other circumstances.

More information available at:
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs – Landlords
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs – Homeowners
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs – Tenants
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs – Business Owners

For More Information

Guelph Fire Department
[email protected]

Administration and General Inquiries
519-824-6590

Fire Prevention
519-763-8111
Fax: 519-837-5691
[email protected]

Public Events and Fire Truck Visits

Guelph Fire Department personnel will attend:

• Career days
• Civic groups
• Community events
• Life learning organizations (e.g. Scouts, Guides)
• School events
• Safety fairs

Guelph Fire Department personnel will not attend:

• Birthday parties
• Store sales and grand openings
• Neighbourhood street parties (some exceptions)
• Daycare/preschool under five years of age
• Small community barbecues

Fire truck visits can be booked for your event.

Please note:

• At your event site, provide a parking space for the fire truck where it can exit quickly. Our crew is on duty and may have to leave to respond to an emergency.
• All fire stations are on an “on-call” status, even during the station tour. If an emergency call comes in, the tour may be ended early.
• Visits are a maximum of one hour.
• Visitors will not be permitted to handle equipment or mount any fire apparatus unless approved and supervised by fire personnel.