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  • A Home Run for Fire Safety!

    A Home Run for Fire Safety!

    The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays! Together, with the help of local fire departments, we hope to spread the word about fire safety messaging across Ontario in a Big-League way!

    As part of the partnership, the Toronto Blue Jays donated one million printed fire safety colouring sheets distributed by the FMPFSC to all Ontario Fire Departments. These colouring pages have been given out to local restaurants for kids to enjoy while eating out at their favorite spots. The colouring pages include the beloved mascots “Ace” from the Toronto Blue Jays, “Sparky” the fire dog from the NFPA, and “Beepa” Ontario’s very own FMPFSC mascot!

    You can find these colouring pages at the following local restaurants:

    • Bancroft Brew Pub
    • Dave’s Place Restaurant
    • Eagles Nest Restaurant
    • Fiesta Flavors
    • For the Halibut
    • The Granite
    • McG’s Cakes on Main
    • Vito’s Pizzeria
    • Wattle & Daub Cafe

    A Big-League thanks to our local restaurants for helping to support such a great cause and spread the message of fire safety!!

  • When Every Second Counts – Know When To Call

    The Importance of Using 911 Properly

    In times of crisis, knowing how to use emergency services effectively can make a significant difference. The 911 system is a critical lifeline designed to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. However, it’s essential to understand the importance of using 911 properly and to avoid making non-emergency or nuisance calls. Additionally, being aware of your local non-emergency phone numbers can help ensure that emergency services remain available for those who truly need them.

    Why Proper Use of 911 Matters

    • Saving Lives: The primary purpose of 911 is to save lives. When you call 911, you are connected to trained professionals who can dispatch police, fire, or medical services to your location quickly. Misusing this service can delay help for someone in a genuine emergency.
    • Efficient Resource Allocation: Emergency services have limited resources. Non-emergency calls can tie up these resources, preventing them from being available for real emergencies. This can lead to slower response times and potentially tragic outcomes.
    • Legal Consequences: Making false or prank calls to 911 is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It’s important to understand that these actions are taken seriously and can have long-lasting consequences.

    What Constitutes a 911 Emergency?

    A 911 emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or medical services. Examples include:

    • Fires
    • Crimes in prgress
    • Serious car accidents
    • Medical emergencies (eg., heart attach, severe injury)

    If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s better to err on the side of caution and call 911. The dispatcher can help determine if emergency services are needed.

    Avoiding Non-Emergency Calls

    Non-emergency situations should be directed to local non-emergency phone numbers. These can include:

    • Noise complaints
    • Minor car accidents without injuries
    • Lost or found property
    • General inquiries about local services

    Knowing your local non-emergency numbers can help keep 911 lines open for true emergencies. Many communities provide these numbers on their official websites or through local government offices.

    How to Find Your Local Non-Emergency Numbers

    DepartmentNon-Emergency NumberWebsite
    Bancroft O.P.P. Detachment613-332-2112www.opp.ca
    Town of Bancroft613-332-3331www.bancroft.ca
    Bancroft Fire Department613-332-2442www.bancroftfire.ca
    Municipality of Hastings Highlands613-338-2811www.hastingshighlands.ca
    Hastings Highlands Fire Dept.613-338-2811 Ext 313www.hastingshighlands.ca
    Faraday Township613-332-3638www.faraday.ca
    Faraday Fire Department613-332-3638www.faraday.ca
    Limerick Township613-474-0478www.limerick.ca
    Limerick Fire Department613-332-8898www.limerick.ca
    Wollaston Township613-337-5731www.wollaston.ca
    Wollaston Fire Department613-337-5731www.wollaston.ca

    Using 911 properly is crucial for the safety and well-being of everyone in the community. By reserving 911 for true emergencies and utilizing local non-emergency numbers for other situations, you can help ensure that emergency services are available when they are needed most. Remember, your actions can make a difference in saving lives and maintaining public safety.

  • Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4th – 10th

    Emergency Preparedness Week, May 4th – 10th

    Sunday May 4th marks the beginning of Emergency Preparedness Week, a themed week long national event supported by Public Safety Canada with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of being prepared for the worst. Everyone has a role to play in times of emergency, and with the awareness and support tools provided during this week our hope is that you will be prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community.

    This years provincial theme provided by Ontario’s Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan is “Plan for every season!” This theme reflects the unique challenges facing Ontario on a seasonal basis and the opportunities to practice emergency preparedness throughout the year. Ontario’s theme complements the national theme released by Public Safety Canada: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks!” It is important to ensure you have a plan in place BEFORE an emergency happens, so that everyone in your household will know what to do:

    • Develop a plan
    • Build an emergency kit that can sustain everyone in your household for at least 72 hours
    • Make sure you stay informed should an emergency occur

    Check out some of the activities available under the “Emergency Preparedness” drop down above. There is a link to view and download 2024’s Emergency Preparedness Guide provided by the County of Hastings, brochures and flyers which you can read, and even activity booklets, colouring books and games for kids which you can download and print! Take the opportunity this week to have a sit down with your family and do some of the activities together, and check your 72 hour emergency kit to ensure your supplies are good to go. It’s always better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it!

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