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Fire safety

Fire safety


​​​​​​​​​​​If you discover a fire, always call 911

  • Never assume that someone else has already called 911.
  • Give your name, building address and the location of the fire.
For all other safety concerns, please call Toronto Community Housing's Community Safety Unit at ​416-921-2323.​

Toronto Community Housing works with Toronto Fire Services to inform and engage residents about fire safety. Fire safety is a top priority in Toronto Community Housing, and we are committed to promoting fire prevention in our communities.

Fire safety tips​

Here are some tips to help you prepare their household for an emergency:
  • Create a fire safety plan so that everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.
  • Create an emergency kit and know where it is located in your home.
  • Have tenant insurance to protect your household belongings.
If there is a fire:
  • If there is a fire and you are unable to put it out, pull the nearest fire alarm and call 911.
  • If you are able to leave your home, do so using the nearest exit.
  • If you are unable to leave your home, seal all cracks where smoke can enter by using wet towels or sheets and cover mail slots and ventilation outlets with tape.
Get more fire safety tips​.

False fire alarms​

Toronto Community Housing spends about $2.4 million a year on false fire alarms. This reduces the money used for repairs, resident services and other programs.

You should only pull the fire alarm when there is a fire because:
  • It is an unnecessary distraction for residents and staff.
  • The alarm forces emergency vehicles to come to the scene when they could be putting out a real fire.
  • The alarm creates panic among residents.
Read our Getting it done report to learn more about false fire alarms in Toronto Community Housing (PDF).​

Smoke alarms​

There is a smoke alarm installed in every Toronto Community Housing home. The smoke alarm goes off when it detects smoke in the unit.
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Toronto Community Housing's staff check that the smoke alarm is working every time they enter the unit and during the annual inspection. Do not remove or disconnect smoke alarms in your home. Doing so puts yourself, your family and your neighbours in danger.

You could be fined up to $50,000 for disconnecting or removing the smoke alarm in your unit and you could face eviction.

If the smoke alarm is not working in your home, please contact the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 or inform your building's Superintendent​.

Tenant insurance​

The purpose of insurance is to protect a household from unexpected events that may occur and help cover the costs to replace items. In situations of loss, theft or damages to the home, Toronto Community Housing's corporate insurance only covers damages to the building or the property owned by the organization. Tenants' belongings or anything that tenants bring into their home are not covered.

Residents should get tenant insurance to protect their household belongings. You can contact Housing Services Corporation to apply for tenant insurance. You can pick up an application at your Operating Unit office or apply online.

All residents of Toronto Community Housing are eligible to get tenant insurance coverage. Residents on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) can apply to have a portion of their income go toward the tenant insurance coverage.

Learn more about the Tenant Insurance Program offered to residents of Toronto Community Housing.