Occupant Handbook - 6.0 Fire safety

6.1 Smoking

Occupants, and/or guest(s) are permitted to smoke on the premises, including the front, back and side yards, as well as any additional buildings such as garages and sheds on site. Smoking is prohibited in shared spaces (e.g., row garages, shared garages apartment building hallways, storage rooms, etc.).

Smoking recommendations:

• Safely dispose of cigarette butts in a non-combustible container filled with water or sand.
• Smoke in areas away from items that burn, such as potted plants, combustible vegetation, planters, and recycle bins.
• Never empty smoking material directly into a trash can.
• Place ashtrays or metal cans away from items that can burn.
• Provide designated smoking areas and suitable disposal containers in, or around, residential housing units (RHUs).
• Be alert and investigate unusual smoke smells.
• Take an active role in ensuring smoking safety, whether you smoke or not.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Remind those who use home oxygen to not smoke.

Precautionary measures should be taken during the summer months as hot and dry conditions can lead to increased fire hazards.

The Occupant will be held legally and financially responsible for all costs incurred for damages caused by smoking (including cannabis). The costs related to damages include, but are not limited to:

• Cleaning
• Structural

6.2 Fire pits

As per the DND Fire Protection Program, fire pits and all solid fuel burning appliances are prohibited on the premises, however, propane or natural gas-fired appliances approved by an organization recognized by the Standards Council of Canada may be permitted subject to municipal and/or provincial regulations and policies.

6.3 Flammable liquids

As directed by the CF Fire Marshal, no more than 30L of flammable and combustible liquids (of which no more than 10L can be flammable liquids) are permitted to be stored on the premises. All flammable liquids are to be stored in approved containers.

Flammable liquids include but are not limited to gasoline, kerosene and camping fuel (naphtha).

Combustible liquids include but are not limited to diesel fuel, automotive oil, and paint thinner.

6.4 Barbeque equipment

Barbeque equipment, including gas or electric barbeques, smokers, or fryers, are designed for outdoor use only. Propane tanks cannot be stored inside the RHU. When in use, barbeques must be kept at least three (3) metres away from any structures, including, but not limited to, buildings, sheds, decks, fences, railings, etc. Barbeques are prohibited on all apartment balconies, however, may be permitted at designated outdoor recreational areas, where available.

6.5 Deep fat fryers

These appliances are a major cause of fires and must be used with extreme caution. Only fryers approved by a certified testing laboratory, such as Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada may be used in the RHU.

6.6 Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed throughout your RHU. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) assumes third-party maintenance and inspection of installed devices on an annual basis including cleaning, battery replacement, and testing.

Occupants are responsible for conducting weekly inspections to ensure the light on each device is operational. Occupants must also test alarms monthly by pressing the front-facing button on each device to verify its proper function.

Occupants are encouraged to recognize alarm communications and are responsible to replace defective device batteries between inspections.

Not all devices installed by CFHA require battery replacement as many devices include built-in batteries for the life of the device. If unsure, contact your Housing Services Centre (HSC).

If you hear an alarm while not inspecting or testing the device:

• Immediately move all occupants outdoors to safety.
• Call the local emergency service or fire department (911).

Note: It is prohibited to permanently remove the batteries or tamper with smoke or carbon monoxide device in any way. Occupants may change the batteries as per paragraph 3 above.

6.7 Automatic sprinkler systems

Automatic sprinklers have been installed in select RHUs. They are provided for safety and property protection. They may be exposed in the basement or concealed in the living areas. The following should be observed:

• Never suspend anything from the sprinklers as this may inadvertently activate the sprinkler.
• Never store items within 45 cm (18 in) of an automatic sprinkler as this will impair its ability to effectively control a fire.
• Do not adjust any of the sprinkler system components found near the water supply entrance in the basement. Notify the HSC immediately if you notice anything unusual, such as a change in RHU water pressure or leaking pipes.

6.8 Residential housing units fire and life safety visits

A National Defence Fire Service representative will visit and brief new RHU occupants on fire and life safety:

• Common causes of fire in the home.
• Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors inspection.
• Safety measures.
• A home fire escape plan.
• Fire reporting procedures.

6.9 Escape planning

Occupants are strongly encouraged to create and practice an escape plan as soon as they move into an RHU. Negative consequences of fire, such as injury or death, can be avoided with a properly practised and executed escape plan. Contact the local fire hall for more information on fire safety.

6.10 Lithium-ion battery safety

Lithium-ion batteries supply power to many devices including smart phones, laptops, e-scooters and e-bikes, e-cigarettes, smoke alarms, toys, and cars. If not used correctly, or if damaged, these batteries can catch on fire or explode. Please follow the recommendations below:

• Purchase and use devices that have one of the recognized Canadian Certification marks, such as CSA, cUL or cETL.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
• Put batteries in the device the right way.
• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
• Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).
• Store batteries away from flammable items.

Stop using the battery if you notice these problems:

• A strange odor.
• A change in color.
• Overheating.
• A change in shape.
• Any leaking or odd noises.

If you experience any of these issues, call 911, and if safe to do so, move the device away from any flammable items.

Battery disposal

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your local municipality for disposal instructions.
• Do not put discarded batteries in piles.

For more information, CFHA occupants are encouraged to visit Health Canada’s guidance on Lithium-ion battery safety.

More information

• Home fire prevention booklet