Has this happened to you?

Posted Friday January 22, 2021

Posted By: Alexandre Seguin

Category: General

Has this happened to you?

Over the last twelve months we’ve all heard some funny stories of people not paying full attention as they tried to juggle at least three to four tasks. (Meal preparation, support children with schoolwork, office work and hopefully a little mindful breathing.)

Here are a couple that I’m sure have either happened to you or you know someone to whom it has!

• Accidentally putting salt in your coffee (if that doesn’t wake you up…)
• Ending a call with colleagues or even your boss by saying: “ok, love you, bye!”
• Looking everywhere for your glasses when they have been on your head the whole time.
• Maybe accidentally showing up to work with no skirt on! J
• Your dog or cat wants to be part of your Teams call during an important meeting

Forgetting and leaving things unattended happens to everyone.

However, our colleagues at Ottawa Fire Services have shared that they have seen an increase in injuries and fatalities from fires in 2020 and suspect that part of this is attributed to people spending more time in their homes, multitasking.

Every year, we practice fire drill safety in our individual work buildings. Given our unique circumstances this year, we want to provide you with the best information to stay safe in your home workspaces.  

The following safety messages have been provided to you from the members of Ottawa Fire Prevention Public Education Team.

More information can be found in the Fire Safety in the Home Guide.

Some important actions

• Install working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
• As well, install carbon monoxide alarms outside all sleeping areas.
• Have flashlights (with extra batteries) in your home instead of candles in case of a power outage or blow out candles before leaving the room.
• Create a home fire escape plan and practice it with the entire members of your household.
• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
• And… make sure you reach for the sugar!

In closing, please make sure to take time for you and reach out if you need assistance.

OPH Emergency Management Team

More information can be found in the Fire Safety in the Home Guide. If you have questions about fire safety, please send an email

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