Georgina Fire and Rescue Services Open House
Join Georgina Fire and Rescue Services for the annual Fire Prevention Week Open House. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is "Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you." The event is free and there will be a community barbecue along with activities for all ages. Come and meet the community partners and learn about fire safety. Come and cheer on the firefighters as they compete in the Firefighter Relay Challenge.
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mission and services provided
The mission of Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is to provide the utmost professional and competent service through its commitment to quality and excellence in the community for residents and visitors.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services provides a range of services to residents and visitors in the Town of Georgina, including:
- fire suppression
- medical aid response
- motor vehicle accident response
- hazardous material response
- ice/water rescue response
- fire prevention
- public education
- enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code
- investigation of the causes of fires
Our services and mandate are outlined in the Establishing and Regulating By-law. The department runs as a composite department with three fire stations that provide 24-7 protection to residents.
Electrical
Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffeemaker. Charging a laptop computer. These are second nature for most of us. Electricity makes our lives easier. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind. Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
Inspect your electrical cords for cuts and damage. If cords are damaged, throw away the cord or appliance. Never run cords under rugs or in high-traffic areas. Extension cords are to be used as a temporary solution. If you require additional outlets, call an electrician.
Garage safety
The garage has become an extension of the home. Ensure yours is safe from fire. Always use a licensed electrical contractor to inspect and install additional circuits, outlets and to complete any repairs to your electrical system. Contact Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for a licensed electrical contractor near you.
Store gasoline in tightly capped, labelled and approved containers. The maximum quantity you can store is 30 litres. Refuel equipment such as lawn mowers and snow blowers outside and only when cooled.
Do not store propane gas cylinders in your garage or home. Store them outside and away from your home. Frequently dispose of flammable and combustible materials that are no longer needed or used.
Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Avoid emptying smoking materials directly into the garbage. Soak cigarette butts and ashes with water first and then discard into the garbage can.
Farm safety
People, animals and property are in danger when fire breaks out on the farm. Inspect your barn and outbuildings for fire hazards to reduce the risk of tragic loss.
Keep your farm safe from fire. Ensure your electrical equipment is labeled for agricultural or commercial use. Check that all wiring is free from damage and do not use extension cords in the barn.
Barns are full of items that can ignite easily, remove the hazard of smoking and make your barn a smoke-free zone. Provide your workers and staff with fire extinguisher training. Ensure everyone in the barn knows personal safety is the priority if a fire breaks out.
Tornados
Tornadoes can travel quickly, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. A tornado can also be fairly small and only touch the ground momentarily. Warning signs that a tornado may form include severe thunderstorms, very dark clouds highlighted with a few green or yellow areas, a rumbling sound, and a funnel cloud forming at the base of a dark cloud.
Make sure you and your family are prepared. Create a personalized 72-hour kit for your entire family. Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.
Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared. Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a tornado, preferably a basement. Make sure it is away from external doors, windows and walls.
Always pay attention to weather warnings. Visit Environment Canada for up-to-date warnings.
Extreme heat
We may think of Canada as the winter capital of the world, but summers can get very hot. A prolonged period of heat can become dangerous for many people. Make sure you know those who are most at risk in your neighbourhood, such as the elderly, children and people who are sick or in need of extra assistance.
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, can happen to anyone who stays in the heat and sun for too long. Watch for symptoms of heat illness, such as:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- Changes of behaviour in children
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you are caring for someone who displays:
- Signs of heat illness
- Unconsciousness
- Confusion
- Or has stopped sweating
What3Words
What3Words is a mobile phone app that can help Georgina Fire and Rescue Services get to you sooner. If you’re lost or need emergency assistance, use the free What3Words app to find the three words for your location, then give them to the emergency services over the phone. This way, emergency responders will know your exact location. Before your next adventure, download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.
Burn permits
Applications available online
![Open Air Burning fire burning in a chiminea on a patio](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/page_assets/chimineafire.jpg?itok=WLZIO1S6)
Online permit applications for Agricultural and Open-air Burn Permits are now available.
Fire and Rescue Services staff
- 1 Fire Chief
- 2 Deputy Fire Chiefs
- 2 Administrative Assistants
- 2 Public Educator/Fire Prevention Inspectors
- 1 Fire Prevention Officer
- 1 Training Officer
- 40 Full-time Firefighters
- 60 Volunteer Firefighters
Contact information
Headquarters/main office
Keswick Fire Hall (Station 1-4)
165 the Queensway S.
Keswick, ON, L4P 3S9
Phone: 905-476-2332
Fax: 905-476-7740
Email: georginafire@georgina.ca
Sutton Fire Hall (Station 1-6)
37 Snooks Rd.
Sutton, ON
Pefferlaw Fire Hall (Station 1-8)
270 Pefferlaw Rd.
Pefferlaw, ON
Community partners
We also support our community partners in their efforts to ensure the health and welfare of our citizens are in good hands.
York Region Paramedic Service
York Region Public Health
York Region Police (YRP) Services
Additional links and resources
There are many other resources and websites you can go to for information about fire and life safety.
- Ontario - Office of the Fire Marshal
- Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
- Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
- Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPOA)
- Ontario Association of Fire Educators (OAFE)
- Fire Protection & Prevention Act
- Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA)
- Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
- York Regional Police
- York Region Car Seat Safety
- Health Canada - Consumer Product Recalls
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- Underwriters Laboratories of Canada