City of Port Colborne

Pro Com Vent Free Fireplace System 
*** Not Approved for Installation in Canada ***

There are no vent free natural gas or propane fireplace systems or heaters approved for sale/installation in Canada. 
Click here for further information

Ever wonder what you need to look for when it comes to a product approval label (what exactly is approved to be sold in Canada) click here

Cottage Opening Checklist

If you are heading to the cottage this season, take the time to follow simple safety procedures to help you make the most of your vacation.

◊ Visually inspect the power lines leading into your cottage.  Report any damage to your local utility and have it repaired before activating your service.

◊  Inspect indoor and outdoor wiring for damage from mice and other rodents.  Have an electrician repair any damage.

◊  Have propane appliances like stoves, refrigerators and heaters inspected and repaired (if necessary) by a qualified technician.

◊  Replace old appliances with new ones that include safety features.

◊  Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace the batteries at the start of the season.

◊  Install a fully charged fire extinguisher in a visible place and make sure everybody knows how to use it.

◊  Dispose of old cleaning solvents and fuels at a hazardous waste distribution centre.

If a fire occurred in your home tonight, would your family get out safely?  Everyone must know what to do and where to go when the smoke alarm sounds.  Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services recommend that every household in Port Colborne make a home fire escape plan.

Click here for more information on developing a home escape plan and additional fire safety tips.

As many parts of Ontario prepare to be blasted by chilling Arctic temperatures this week, the Fire Marshal of Ontario is urging the public to keep fire safety in mind when taking steps to deal with colder winter weather.

Winter months traditionally see more fires in Ontario homes related to heating equipment and appliances. People need to pay close attention to potential fire hazards related to the use of fuel-burning appliances, space heaters and even block heaters in their vehicles.

• Burn dry, well-seasoned wood in fireplaces and woodstoves to reduce the risk of excessive creosote build-up in chimneys.

• Allow ashes from your woodstove or fireplace to cool before emptying them into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.

• Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide build-up from inefficient combustion. Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to alert you to the presence of this deadly gas.

• Keep space heaters at least one metre (3 feet) away from anything that can burn, including curtains, upholstery, and clothing.

• Replace worn or damaged electrical wires and connections on vehicles and extension cords and use the proper gauge extension cord for vehicle block heaters.

• Consider using approved timers for vehicle block heaters rather than leaving heaters on all night.

• Ensure that vehicles are not left running inside any garage or building.

• Ensure there is a working smoke alarm on every storey of your home.

 Click here to visit the Office of the Fire Marshal website for additional information.

Keep Fire Safety in mind as temperatures drop, fires related to heating equipment can occur.