to buying, charging and dispos- ing of electronic products and batteries properly.
Fire Prevention Starts with You The Strathroy-Caradoc Fire De- partment (SCFD) has maintained ongoing fire prevention efforts for many years, utilizing Middlesex County Fire Inspectors, part-time fire inspectors from the Strath - roy Fire Department, and, for the past two years, full-time Fire Pre- vention Officer Jayson Chabot. Deputy Chief Stephanie Cyros oversees the Fire Prevention Division, which includes Jayson and approximately 20 volunteer firefighters who are certified as Public Fire Safety Educators. This team volunteers their time to support the delivery of fire safety programs in addition to their fire - fighting role.
The first step is to buy only prod - ucts approved by an accredited agency such as the Canadian Standards Association. When purchasing a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA, which shows that it meets important safety standards.
Second, charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the man- ufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery once fully charged. Third, recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion bat - teries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery re - cycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. SCFD’s Fire Prevention Department invites you to join them at their open house. Information on the date and time will be on the municipal website. You can request a presentation for your group by completing a form at www/forms.strathroy-caradoc.ca/ Fire/Request-for-Fire-Inspection or by calling 519-245-1990.
Jayson Chabot, Fire Prevention Officer
Besides public education, the Fire Prevention Division con- ducts inspections in all building types, from small businesses and large industrial plants to sin- gle- and multi-unit residential buildings. Requesting a fire inspection helps owners and occupants of any building understand the importance of having a Fire Safety Plan and their role in maintaining fire safety in the building they occupy. The inspection also tests smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to ensure they comply with the manufacturer’s in - structions and the Ontario Fire Code. The inspection will verify the lifespan of the alarms, their placement and location, type, and overall functionality. Jayson reminds everyone that only working smoke and CO alarms save lives. “A properly installed and functioning smoke alarm, or a well-developed fire safety plan, could mean the difference between life and death,” ex- plains Jayson. The importance of fire prevention inspections and compliance was put to the test recently when Strathroy Mini Storage ex- perienced a fire one month after undergoing a fire inspection completed by Jayson. “The inspection itself was thorough and reassuring as Jayson provided clear guidance on safety mea- sures and pointed out areas of importance we might not have considered,” explains a spokesperson for the company. Besides ensuring Strathroy Mini Storage was meeting fire safety standards, the inspection allowed Jayson to become familiar with the property and operations. “That proved invaluable for contain- ing the fire to our office/shop area. Without that inspection, it could have been more devastating for our business and customers.” Strathroy Mini Storage’s experience demonstrates how inspec - tions help to educate and prepare everyone. “We strongly en- courage others to take advantage of the fire inspection program. It’s not only about compliance—it’s about prevention, prepared - ness, and building a partnership with our local fire department.” This year, Fire Prevention Week runs from October 5 to 11. The theme is “Charge into Fire Safety” and offers three steps Photo courtesy of Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department
september 28
Smoke Alarm Safety Checklist
We have a smoke alarm on every storey of our home.
We have a smoke alarm outside each bedroom and sleeping area.
We tested our smoke alarms this month.
Everyone in our family knows what to do when the smoke alarm beeps.
Our family has a meeting place outside.
We practised getting out safely.
#SavedByTheBeep
SavedByTheBeep.ca
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc October 2025
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