Seniors

The City of Oshawa is a member of the Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and recognizes our 55+ population represents a significant part of our community. Discover the ways Oshawa supports older adults living active, safe lives as they continue to participate fully in our community.

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Fire safety

The best way to stay fire safe is to prevent fires from starting. Oshawa Fire Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal want to ensure all seniors are fire safe. With a few simple steps, older adults can dramatically reduce their risk of death and injury from fire, including:

  • Be alert when smoking – Put a cigarette or cigar out at the first sign of feeling drowsy while watching television or reading.
  • Use large, sturdy ashtrays that will not tip over if you smoke inside. Empty ashtrays into a metal container, not a garbage can and keep it outside.
  • Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which may contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite.
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Do not walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials.
  • If you have children around the house, keep matches and lighters out of reach.

  • Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and turn off the stove if you must leave.
  • Have a proper-fitting pot lid handy to slide over the pot and turn off the stove if a pot catches fire.
  • Clear the stove area of items that might catch fire easily.
  • Use the back burners as much as possible; when using front burners, remember to turn the pot handles inward.
  • Avoid cooking while consuming alcohol or drugs.
  • Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
  • Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house.

  • Toasters, coffeemakers and microwaves need to be plugged directly into an outlet.
  • If an extension cord is required, buy the correct gauge for the appliance and have a CSA or ULC approval mark on the label.

  • Keep things that burn away from heat sources like stovetops, space heaters and electronic equipment.
  • Keep space heaters at least one metre away from bedding, furniture and curtains.

  • Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
  • For added protection, install a smoke alarm in each bedroom.
  • Test your smoke alarms monthly. If you rent, notify the landlord immediately if they are not working. Replace dead batteries.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are required by law to be installed outside all sleeping areas.
  • Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they are 10 years old.
  • Check smoke alarms after an extended absence.
  • Never tamper with or disable a smoke alarm.

  • Develop and practise a home fire escape plan with everyone in your home.
  • Ensure all members of your household know two ways out of every room.
  • If you live in a high-rise building, familiarize yourself with the building's fire safety plan.
  • Call the fire department from a safe location outside if you discover a fire.

  • Keep candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces.
  • Always be sure to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  • Consider battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

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Service Oshawa
Oshawa City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: service@oshawa.ca

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