Use the City’s winter safety checklist to reduce fire emergencies

Temperatures are dropping, calendars are filling up for the holiday season and life’s about to get busier for many families in Mississauga! Winter is also the busiest season for Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) as they respond to home fires which are preventable.  Do your part to reduce fire hazards and emergency incidents by staying aware and prepared during this exciting time of year.

Home fire safety tips

There are plenty of fire hazards over the winter months – some may or may not be obvious. Consider the following safety tips:

• Hosting a feast? Monitor all kitchen appliances and ensure they’re turned off after use, including small appliances such as air fryers, and don’t leave the stove unattended.
• Read appliance manuals for important safety instructions, cleaning guidelines and hazard warnings.
• Keep anything that can burn (e.g., furniture, clothing, curtains) at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, stoves, portable heaters or furnaces.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance from all heat sources such as candles or fireplaces.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned annually and ensure all heating equipment is installed/maintained per local codes and manufacturer instructions.
• Using a room freshener spray around the house? Only spray in open areas and keep well away from heat sources or open flames – they can be highly flammable.
• For decorations: check cords and plugs for frays or damage; avoid placing extension cords under rugs or overloading them; when using a real Christmas tree, be sure to water it regularly and place it away from fireplaces, heaters or candles.
• Make sure guests are aware of your home’s fire-escape plan and know the designated meeting spot in case of emergency.
• Ensure there are working smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas; replace alarms if more than 10 years old.
• Have a fire hydrant on your property? Please clear the snow around it to help keep the neighbourhood safe in case of emergencies. Firefighters must be able to see fire hydrants on snowy days.

Lithium-ion battery safety is more important than ever

Every day, lithium-ion battery devices power our lives – but they can also be fire hazards.

Items such as cell phones, laptops, power tools, vacuums, e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, lawnmowers, rechargeable beauty devices (such as LED skin masks or sculpting wands), electric toothbrushes and electric vehicles are all powered by lithium-ion batteries.

With a heavy gifting season ahead, electric toys and the items listed above should be used safely.

• Always charge items properly on a hard surface (e.g. not on softer furniture and fabrics).
• Remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions and buy your devices or replacement batteries from a reliable retailer.
• If you purchased or receive an e-scooter or e-bike for the first time this season, please remember they are not permitted on MiWay buses or bike racks.
• Always follow the guidelines carefully and handle every item with care.

Through public safety messaging and community events such as Open Houses, MFES has been educating communities about the safe use of lithium-ion batteries. The City and MFES is pleased to share that there have been zero lithium-ion battery related injuries in Mississauga.

Carbon monoxide alarm requirements

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a harmful gas that cannot be seen and doesn’t have an odour. If undetected, CO poisoning can be fatal to humans and pets.

In an effort to make homes safer, starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require CO alarms on every floor of all homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Prior to this new legislation, Mississauga residents were required to have a CO alarm in their home outside the sleeping areas. With a little over a month left until the new legislation is in effect, now’s the time to act and install a CO alarm and follow the law.

Review carbon monoxide safety tips and remember the following tips for the winter season:

• Do not turn on a vehicle or motor inside a garage to “warm up”, even if the garage door is open. Always remove a vehicle from inside the garage immediately after starting.
• Snow and ice can block furnace vents, dryer vents, and fireplace vents, which can cause CO to build up in a home. Make sure to keep vents clear of snow and ice to prevent blockages.
• If you’re renting or leasing, the homeowner is responsible for installing and maintaining CO alarms. Talk to your landlord to confirm your home or unit is up to code.

Read more about the new legislation and how you can stay safe. If you are visiting seniors or vulnerable loved ones this holiday season, let them know about the requirements or purchase a CO alarm/detector and have it installed. While this may not be a traditional holiday gift, nothing says, “I care for you” more than providing the gift of safety.

Be careful around frozen bodies of water

Every summer, the City of Mississauga promotes water safety and drowning prevention initiatives but, in the winter, it’s just as important to be careful when near water.

• Enjoy skating rinks this winter, but stay off the ice at unmonitored places. Deep water, weak ice and constantly changing water levels and temperatures make lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks unstable and dangerous.
• When out walking, snowshoeing, tobogganing and out with children and pets, stay away from the ice close to the shore or riverbank. It may appear thicker and safe, but can be uneven, slippery and dangerous.
• If you see a person or pet has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately. While MFES firefighters are trained in water rescue, they encourage everyone to stay off the ice – no matter how safe it may appear.

Beyond risking a fall or drowning, stepping onto ice is also against the City of Mississauga’s Parks By-law, which states: no person shall skate, walk, or engage in any activities on snow/ice-covered ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, or any other snow/ice-covered bodies of water that are City owned. Skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, using a skibob, or sled on the bodies of water is also prohibited. Choose one of the many community centres or City rinks to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities this winter.

Winter may seem peaceful with its white landscapes and quieter days, but the season ahead requires us to be one step ahead when it comes to safety. Many emergency incidents are preventable and educational resources are available online on the City’s website.

Have a fun and safe winter season, Mississauga!

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• Fire and Emergency Services