Seniors Program

This program focuses on fire safety for older adults, especially those with disabilities. The focus of the program is to educate older adults about the common causes of fires in White Rock and how to prevent them. It also focuses on how to escape from a fire and what to do if you are unable to get out. This program is ideal for residential living facilities.

Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is very important. This program will educate seniors about fire safety and prepare them in what to do in the case of a fire and when the fire alarm sounds. To schedule a presentation contact the Fire Prevention Division of White Rock Fire Rescue at 604-541-2121.

Frequently Asked Questions


How can I survive a fire?

Use the following tips to survive a fire:

  • Be Prepared - If you are dependent on eyeglasses or essential medication, keep these items by your bedside for easy access in the event of an emergency. Be sure to take them with you.
  • If anyone in your household is deaf or if your own hearing is diminished, consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light, vibration and/or higher decibel sound to alert you to a fire emergency.
  • Install and maintain smoke alarms - Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside each sleeping area. For maximum protection, install smoke alarms in every bedroom.
  • Keep it low - If you don't live in an apartment building, consider sleeping in a room on the ground floor to make emergency escape easier. Make sure that smoke alarms are installed near any sleeping area and have a telephone installed where you sleep in case of emergency.
  • Never use the elevator. Use the exit stairways and close all doors behind you.
  • Notice the alarm - The majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping. Because smoke can put you into a deeper sleep, it is important to have an early warning signal of a fire to wake you up.
  • Prepare and Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan - Draw a simple plan of your home and identify two ways out of every room. Determine a meeting place outside your home. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
  • Test the alarm monthly. Some smoke alarms are equipped with large, easy to push test buttons. For battery operated smoke alarms change the batteries at least once a year or immediately if the smoke alarm makes a chirping sound indicating that the batteries need replacing.
  • Testing smoke alarms may be difficult for some seniors. Rather than standing on a chair to push the test button, remain on the floor and use a broom handle to push the test button. Smoke alarms with a flashlight test or television remote are available.

What can I do to keep my home fire safe? You can make your home safer with the following tips:

  • Keep heaters properly maintained. Always turn off or unplug space heaters before leaving the house or going to bed.
  • Never smoke in bed. Discard smoking material with care.
  • Think Safety in the Kitchen - Never leave cooking unattended. Turn off appliances as soon as you are through using them.


What should I do if I have a fire?

In the event you have a fire, use the following tips:

  • If the door feels cool - brace yourself against it and open it slowly. If safe, leave the building and go directly to your meeting place
  • If the door feels warm or if you see smoke or flames on the other side, shut the door and use your second exit. If you re trapped, seal the openings around the door and vents with wet bedding or towels. Call the fire department using 911 to notify them of your location. Open a window and signal for help.
  • If you encounter smoke, crawl low under the smoke. Cleaner air is down low near the floor. Once you are out of the building go directly to your plann3ed meeting place or go to a neighbour's house and call the fire department. Do not re-enter the building.
  • Open up. Make sure that you are able to open all doors and windows in your home. Locks and pins should open easily from inside. If you have security bars on doors or windows they should have quick-release mechanisms inside so that they can be opened easily. These mechanisms won't compromise your security but they will enable you to open the window from inside in the event of a fire. Check to be sure that windows haven't been sealed shut with paint or nails.
  • When the smoke alarm sounds - check the door. Stay low behind the door, reach up and feel the door and door handle for heat.


Is there anything else I need to know?

View tips that everyone should know in the event of a fire:

  • Do the drill - Conduct your own fire drill or participate in regular fire drills to make sure you know what to do in the event of a home fire. If you or someone you live with cannot escape alone, designate a member of the household to assist and decide on a back up in case the designated helper isn't home.
  • Fire drills are also a good opportunity to make sure that everyone is able to hear and respond to smoke alarms.
  • Stay connected - Keep the telephone nearby, along with emergency phone numbers so that you can communicate with emergency personnel if you're trapped in your room by fire or smoke.
  • Stop Drop and Roll - If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are, drop to the floor, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over until the flames go out. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing while cooking.