Keep your kitchen safe
- Keep your stove clean and do not leave the room while cooking.
- Turn pot handles inward so you do not bump them, and children cannot reach them.
- Open a window to clear cooking smells. Do not open your apartment door. It will let smoke into the hall and set off the building's fire alarm system.
- Do not open a window or prop open a door if there is a fire. If you cannot put out the fire quickly, leave your home immediately, pull the nearest fire alarm, and call 911.
- If your smoke alarm goes off while you are cooking, push the "hush" button. This will quiet the alarm while the smoke clears.
- Never disconnect a smoke alarm.
Be careful with flammable materials.
- Keep lighters and matches in a safe place.
- Do not leave candles burning when you leave the room.
- Do not throw flammable materials like paint, ammonia, or oil down the garbage chute.
- Ask your Superintendent how you can throw away flammable materials safely.
Be careful when smoking
- Always use ashtray.
- Do not leave cigarettes burning when you leave the room.
- Do not smoke in bed.
- Do not throw cigarette butts off a balcony.
Do not overload electric outlets
- Plugging too many electronics or appliances into one outlet using extension cords or power bars is a fire hazard.
- Unplug things you are not using to make room for what you need.
- Use CSA-approved electrical devices.
- Excessive clutter creates fire hazards.
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Items left in hallways are a hazard.
- If you have a piece of furniture or other items to throw away, never leave them in the hallway. Call 1-519-434-2765 to find out how and where you can throw away large items.
Pack a grab-and-go bag
A grab-and-go bag should have the important information you might need in an emergency. Keep this bag near your front door so it can be grabbed quickly in an emergency. What you need to build a grab-and-go bag:
A list of important contact numbers, including:
• Your guardian or emergency contact(s)
• Family and friends
• Special care provider or support worker
• Doctor's office
• Pharmacist/pharmacy
• Insurance company information
Other important items:
• An extra set of keys
• A copy of bank books and some cash
• Extra glasses, contact lenses, and/or hearing aid batteries
• A change of underwear
• Toiletries
• A bottle of water
• A blanket
• Pet food and medicine (if needed regularly) and a photocopy of your pet's shots/vaccinations
• Your grab-and-go bag should also include:
• A copy of your photo identification
• One week's worth of prescription drugs, medical supplies and special equipment.
• An information sheet about your special needs or disability.
• Foods that meet your dietary needs.
• Information about your allergies.
• Copies of your hospital cards.
If you have special needs, need a support person, or use life-sustaining equipment:
• Inform LMCH and arrange in advance for someone to check on you if there is an emergency.
• Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or carry an identification card.
• Carry a personal alarm that makes a loud noise so you can signal for help if you need it
• Label your equipment and attach instructions on how to use and move it.
Be prepared:
• Who else should be on your emergency contact list?
• What else might you need in an emergency?
