Top Tips: Cottage

Many Canadians enjoy going to the cottage to "get away from it all." But this does not mean fire-preparedness! Maintain the same diligence when protecting your family at the cottage.

Arm Yourself Properly at the Cottage

• Equip the cottage as you would your home. Install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, as well as fire extinguishers and test them regularly.  National Fire Protection Association recommendations apply:  one per floor and outside sleeping areas.  If you sleep with doors closed, install alarms inside bedrooms.
  
  
• Be as familiar with the exits from your cottage and outbuildings as you are with those at home, and create an escape plan for your family.  Share it with visiting guests.

What To Do In Case Of Fire

• Yell to alert others and execute your Escape Plan as practiced.  Call 911 or your local Fire Service for help.

• On watercraft, use a fire extinguisher to contain and fight small fires or abandon the craft and swim to safety, using appropriate emergency and signaling techniques to call for help.

Tips to Prevent Cottage Fires

• Practice safe grilling.  Position your barbecue or grill away from the cottage, deck, and all traffic and play areas.  Use long-handled tools so the chef’s hands and clothing are clear of flames and grease spatters.  Clean the grill well each season and periodically after that.  Replace worn barbecue parts immediately.
  
  
• Store any BBQ starter fluid, propane tanks, gasoline for small equipment and other flammables well away from the grill area and the cottage, and keep safely out of reach of children.
  
  
• Monitor propane or natural gas hoses carefully for leaks, and replace worn or damaged parts promptly.
  
  
• Light camp fires in a clear area away from the cottage, other buildings or trees and in a well-defined fire pit.  Keep your fire controlled, and ensure children are positioned well back and out of the way of smoke. Avoid making camp fires on windy days or evenings when burning embers can blow away from the fire area.
  
  
• Make sure any watercraft is outfitted with safety gear and a fire extinguisher per local regulations.