All seasonal homes must have working smoke alarms and if it has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or garage it must also have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.

General safety recommendations

  • Install smoke alarms: the Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
  • Install CO alarms: CO alarms must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas for all seasonal homes with a fireplace, an appliance that uses fuel (like wood or gas), a garage, or is served by a forced-air fuel burning appliance not contained within the building.
  • Test alarms monthly and change batteries at least once a year: press the test button once a month and change the batteries at least once a year or if the alarm is chirping.
  • Have a fire escape plan: make sure everyone knows 2 ways out of every room in the cottage, if possible, if an alarm sounds.
  • Know your location: keep the cottage’s address and the local fire department's phone number near the door.

Outdoor safety

  • Check for fire bans: ask the local fire department if campfires are allowed.
  • Build fires on bare dirt or rock: clear away dry leaves and twigs, don’t build a fire underneath a tree or any low-hanging branches, and keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby. When finished, pour water on fire before leaving.
  • Barbecues: clean the barbecue before using it. Never leave a lit barbecue unattended and keep kids and pets away from the hot grill.
  • Smoke outside: use a large can filled with water to put out cigarette butts safely.

Opening the cottage

  • Check power lines: if you notice tree branches touching any wires leading to the cottage, call a professional to trim the tree.
  • Check gas appliances: have a professional check propane stoves or heaters before using them for the first time.
  • Replace old alarms: cold winter weather can cause damage to smoke and CO alarms. Test your alarms when opening the cottage and install new ones if they are old, expired or not working.

Closing the cottage

  • Unplug everything including stoves, fridges, and lamps.
  • Turn off the power switches (breakers) except for any that run a sump pump.
  • Clean the chimney and fireplace including creosote and ashes from the chimney and fireplace.
  • Remove fire hazards by removing old newspapers or oily rags from the cottage.
  • Store fuel safely and keep propane tanks and gas cans in a separate shed, never inside the cottage.
  • Keep animals out by stuffing small holes with steel wool. This stops mice from chewing on wires which can start a fire.