Firefighters go door-to-door to ensure homes have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. We share fire safety information and make sure you have a fire escape plan for your home. Participation in the program is voluntary. Contact the Public Information Coordinator listed at the bottom of this page to request a home visit.
Fire Safety and Education
The best way to protect against injury and damage from fire is through prevention and education.
Public Education
Our public education team works to raise awareness and provide information and resources to help protect people from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. The team is made up of:
- A Fire Prevention Officer (Captain of Fire Prevention Division)
- A Fire Inspector
- A Public Information Coordinator
The public education team is also responsible for inspections and enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code.
Fire Safety Programs
We offer community fire safety programs for various groups, agencies and associations throughout the city, including:
- Emergency planning
- Fire extinguisher training
- Fire safety lectures
We are also available for safety presentations and displays at local community events. We also work closely with the local school boards.
Door-to-door Home Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Visits
The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C)
The Fire Service works with mental health partners to help youth and their families reduce the risks that come from playing with fire. Mental health professionals will assess the risk of continued unsafe behaviour and try to find out why your child is setting fires. The Fire Service will teach your family about fire safety. The program is free and available to children from two to 17 years of age.
Everyone in your home needs to know how to get out safely in an emergency. You should choose a meeting place that everyone in your family knows and have two routes to get out of your house. Have a fire drill and practice your home escape plan at least twice a year. In an emergency, it is important to remember:
- Never use elevators in an emergency;
- Test doors for heat with the back of your hand before opening them;
- If you are trapped close all doors and windows between you and the fire;
- Stuff cracks around doors with towels or blankets and signal for help with a flashlight or blanket;
- Get out quickly and do not go back for possessions or pets;
- Go directly to your meeting place and make sure the fire department has been contacted;
- If you see smoke stay low;
- Crawl for better visibility and cleaner air;
- Test smoke alarms regularly.
Use our free Fire Escape Plan grid to draw a floor plan of your home. Show all doors and windows and two ways out of every room. Mark the meeting place outside your home.
Portable Fire Extinguisher Training
We will come to your location and teach your business, group, club or organization about the different classes of fire and how to control them. There is a fee for this service.
Inspections and Permits
Fire Prevention Inspectors perform inspections based on request, complaint, safety concern, licensing and routine basis to ensure compliance with and enforce provincial legislation, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA), and the Ontario Fire Code.
Learn more on our Fire Inspections page.
Hours
Our public education team office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The team also attends events outside of regular office hours.
However, a fire investigator is on-call 24 hours a day to handle fire investigations or emergencies.
Other Resources
Contact Us
City of Woodstock
P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Phone: 519-539-1291
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