Skip to main content
Change Language:

Copyright © 2024 Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation

Home escape

Plan ahead: discuss the escape routes with everyone in your household

  • If you live in an apartment building, use stairways to escape. Never use an elevator during a fire. It may stop between floors or take you to a floor where the fire is burning.
  • Know where all the exit stairs are on your floor. If the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke, you may have to use another exit.
  • Make special arrangements for children, older adults and people who have disabilities.
  • If the fire alarm sounds, feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, use another way out.
  • Close all doors behind you as you leave.
  • Your plan should include a meeting place outside where household members will gather.
  • Practise your escape plan at least twice a year.

Get out fast: do not stop for anything during a fire

  • Do not try to rescue possessions.
  • Go directly to your meeting place, then call 9-1-1 and ask for Toronto Fire Services.
  • If you encounter smoke when using your primary exit, use your alternate escape plan.
  • If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees low to the floor where the air will be cleaner and cooler.
A person using the stairs instead of the elevator.

…And stay out

  • Once you are out of your home, do not go back for any reason.
  • Heat and smoke during a fire are overpowering, and firefighters have the best chance of rescuing someone.
  • Firefighters have the training, experience and protective equipment needed to enter a burning building.

If you cannot safely evacuate the building, shelter in place

  • If fire or smoke is blocking all exits, stay in your apartment. Keep the door closed, and put wet towels around the door and vents to keep smoke out.
  • Call 9-1-1 and tell the operator where you are.
  • Open a window slightly and wave a bright cloth to signal your location.

Guidance for occupants of high-rise buildings (over six storeys)

Although the safest place to be during a fire is outside the building, if smoke is NOT entering your unit it is safe to stay where you are and wait for further instructions.

Person placing a towel to block the gap under a doorway and calling 911

…And stay out

  • Once you are out of your home, do not go back for any reason.
  • Heat and smoke during a fire are overpowering, and firefighters have the best chance of rescuing someone.
  • Firefighters have the training, experience and protective equipment needed to enter a burning building.