Fire & Emergency Services

The Hanover Fire Department consists of 26 trained volunteer firefighters and officers dedicated to protecting life and property within the Town of Hanover and portions of the surrounding areas of Brockton and West Grey. The fire department responds to numerous types of calls that include fires, motor vehicle collisions and provide assistance to Grey and Bruce County EMS.

In addition the fire department provides specialty rescue services for:

• Swift Water Rescue
• Ice Water Rescue
• Drone Deployment
• Rope Rescue

The Fire Department provides service from one station and operates the following apparatus:

• 2020 - Pumper / Tanker
• 1999 - Pumper / Rescue
• 2002 - Command Unit
• 2010 - 78’ Aerial
• Rehabilitation Trailer
• 18’ Super Dux boat with a 40hp motor
• 1937 Pumper (used for parades and special events)

The Town of Hanover has developed an Updated Emergency Response Plan governing the provision of necessary services during an emergency and the procedures in which employees of the municipality and other persons will respond to the emergency.

Prepare Now, Learn How.....Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time.  The Emergency Preparedness Kit contains recommended guidelines to assist you in gathering items you should have on hand in an emergency.

More information on emergency preparedness is available.  Please visit the Public Safety Canada and Emergency Management Ontario websites.

The Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and/or Special Needs was prepared by the Government of Ontario's Emergency Management Ontario in partnership with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.

The Town of Hanover has provided Emergency Preparedness Pamphlets for people with disabilities. 

Emergency Preparedness Guides for People with Disabilities

Emergency Management Ontario - Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities / Special Needs

Severe Weather Warnings

Sign up to receive Severe Weather Warnings from Emergency Management Ontario.  Please click on the link for details about How This Service Works.

Ontario's New CO Alarm Law: A Call to Action for Homeowners. Click here for more information.

Carbon Monoxide (CO), often called the silent killer, is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. Extremely high levels of poisoning can be fatal, causing death within minutes.

Install CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide.

CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
• Combination smoke and CO alarms must be installed in accordance with requirements for smoke alarms.
• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.
• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.
• Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in.
• When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
• Only use barbecue grills — which can produce CO — outside.
• Use battery-powered lights in tents, trailers and motor homes and motor boats.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrives to assist you.
• CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms.

Smoke Alarms - Protect yourself and your family.

•  Install smoke alarms – it´s the law.
• Smoke alarms save lives.  Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep.
• One smoke alarm is not enough.  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home near sleeping areas.
• Where to install smoke alarms.  Because smoke rises, you should place alarms on the ceiling.
• Test your smoke alarm regularly.  Every week, test your smoke alarms using the alarm test button.
• Change your clock, change your battery.  Install a new battery of the proper type at least once a year. We change our clocks each spring and fall so this is a good time to change your smoke alarm batteries too.
• Gently vacuum alarm every six months.  Dust can clog a smoke alarm, so carefully vacuum the inside of a battery powered unit using the soft bristle brush.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever.  Smoke alarms do wear out, so if you think your alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them with new ones.
• Plan your escape.  Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if a fire occurs.
• Under the Ontario Fire Code, every home in Ontario is required to have working smoke alarms.
• Homeowners must ensure that smoke alarms are installed between sleeping and living areas. They are also required to maintain the smoke alarms in working order.
• In rental accommodations, the obligation to install and maintain smoke alarms in operating condition falls to the landlord. Landlords must also provide smoke alarm maintenance information to the occupant of each unit.
• It is an offence for any person to disable a smoke alarm.  This requirement applies equally to homeowners, landlords and tenants.
• Failure to comply with the smoke alarm requirements of the Fire Code can result in a $200.00 fine.

When young people attend college or university, they will often be living away from home for the first time. This can be a concern for parents as they try to ensure their children will be safe when they are not living under the same roof. For important fire safety information that every student should know before moving away from home view Safe Student Accommodations 101. Parents should discuss these basic fire safety rules with their kids before dropping them off at their new dwelling.

Be prepared for fire.
Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan Your Escape!

Smoke alarms protect everyone.
Have a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.

If you smoke!
Use large, deep ashtrays and always make sure your cigarette butts are out. Never smoke when you are lying down, if you are drowsy or in bed.

Don´t reach for danger!
Wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves when cooking and don´t reach over a hot burner. If a pot catches fire, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner. Never leave your cooking unattended.

If your clothing catches fire!
Lower yourself to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to put out the flames. If you can´t do this, grab a towel or blanket and smother the flames.

Crawl low under smoke.
Most fire victims die from smoke, not flames. Smoke always rises, so you must get down on the floor where the air is cleaner. Crawl on your hands and knees to safety.

Give space heaters space.
Keep them at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from everything – including you.

Need assistance?
Call us at 519.364.2780 x 1239

The Sample Emergency Procedures listed here provide suggestions, guidance and best practices that could be introduced in your building to minimize or eliminate possible risks.

Green Flashing Light – What does it mean?

• The green flashing light means that a volunteer fire fighter is responding to an emergency in his/her own vehicle.
• Please pull over safely to the side of the road and allow the vehicle to pass.
• Be sure and look before you re-enter the roadway as there may be more than one fire fighter vehicle following each other.
• Remember the emergency the volunteer fire fighter is responding to may be yours.

It's the law for any driver who sees and hears an emergency vehicle approaching from either direction to get out of the way......Seconds Can Save a Life.

Clothes Dryer Safety Tips.

Hunting Fire Safety Tips

The Hanover Fire Department and its members are committed to ensuring that the residents of the Town of Hanover and its surrounding areas are as safe as possible when it comes to fire safety.

Alarmed for Life is a program which has been implemented by the Hanover Fire Department. Firefighters will be conducting smoke detector visits with local homeowners. These visits will focus on ensuring that a home has an adequate number of detectors, the detectors are properly placed, and a test will also be performed to ensure that the detectors are working properly. The firefighters will also be available to answer any questions that the homeowner may have regarding maintenance of detectors or other related fire safety questions. This program is being implemented to ensure that the residents of the Town of Hanover have adequate early warning detection systems in their home, which will ensure their safety in case fire does break out. Visits are not mandatory, but are encouraged to ensure that your family remains fire safe if a fire emergency does erupt.

What is covered in an Alarmed for Life visit?

• Smoke alarms are present and working properly to ensure effective early warning.
• If additional smoke alarms are required, Fire Department personnel will install in proper locations to ensure effectiveness.
• Information will be offered regarding fire safety in the home.
• Information regarding cleaning and changing batteries will be provided to ensure smoke alarm remains an effective tool within your early warning arsenal.
• Firefighters will discuss the importance of home escape planning and the need to have effective plans for your escape once the smoke alarm sounds.

How do I get involved?

For more information on the program, or to book a smoke alarm visit simply contact the Hanover Fire Department at 519.364.2780 x 1223.

Tips for the family:

• Have a home escape plan showing two ways out of every room.
• Practice your escape plan regularly with the entire family.
• Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach and out of sight from children. "Out of sight, out of mind.”
• Have all members of the family memorize your address to ensure that if 911 is utilized the correct address will be passed along.
• Test your smoke detectors regularly and change the batteries every time you change your clocks.
• Talk to your children regarding the need for ongoing fire safety around the home.

This program is a partnership between the Hanover Fire Department and local children’s mental health professionals. The program is strictly CONFIDENTIAL.

A Child's Fascination
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshall reports that mischief and/or vandalism motivate over fifty percent of known incendiary fires investigated by their office. Young people, often as a result of playing with matches/lighters start the majority of these fires. But for some, fascination goes beyond an isolated incident and can become repeated “fire setting” behaviour. It is estimated that there is ten times the number of unreported fires as there are reported ones. Children are expected to cause many of these unreported fires and without the proper education, they may continue to become tragic fires. The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C) program has been developed to educate children on the dangers of fire and how to be fire safe.

If You Know A Child Is Involved With Fire Setting
Contact the Hanover Fire Department or Grey Bruce Children’s Services to start the TAPP-C program. The program begins with a fire safety inspection to ensure that the family members are safe, and the rest of the education program is held at the local Fire Department. The Hanover Fire Department TAPP-C members will provide the instruction to the child and their family. The family then initiates services of Grey Bruce Children’s Services to access counseling services.

How Do I Get My Child Involved? 
Simply contact the Hanover Fire Department at 519.364.2780 x 1239 and speak with the Fire Chief.

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.
The fire service suggests attending public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization.
If you still choose to have a family fireworks or informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations pertaining to the handling and discharging of fireworks for these activities. Here are some important safety tips to be followed:
Handling and discharging of fireworks must only be done by adults. Appoint one person to be in charge, who knows about the hazards of fireworks and essential safety precautions.

• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by.
• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
• Always keep everyone a safe distance away from discharged fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time, and never try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework, in your hand.
• Never re-light “dud” fireworks. It is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal garbage can.
• Never give sparklers to children. While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

On August 13th, 2007 Hanover Council passed a by-law, regulating the sale and discharge of fireworks in the Town of Hanover. Click on the link below for a copy of the by-law.

Fireworks By-law 2566-07- Regulate the Sale and Discharge of Fireworks

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for children. But make this Halloween a treat, and don’t be tricked by hidden dangers! Here are a few fire safety tips to help make Halloween night safe and enjoyable for the whole family.

Safety Tips For Children

• The best costumes are light coloured or bright and reflective. Keep costumes short to avoid tripping and falling. Minimize the risk of contact with candles or other ignition sources by avoiding baggy pants, loose frills, or billowing skirts.
• Give every child a flashlight with fresh batteries. Remind them of traffic safety rules, and that they should cross streets at corners and never cross between parked cars.
• Make sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number if they experience an emergency.
• Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face with hands, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.

Safety Tips For Adults

• Be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety rules when crossing the street.
• Appoint a designated driver if you attend adult Halloween parties.
• Accompany children when they go out trick-or-treating.

Safety At Home

• Consider using only battery-powered lanterns, flashing lights or chemical light sticks instead of candles in decorations.
• Small flashlight candles are the safest for use in jack-o'-lanterns. If you must use a candle, try a tea light or votive candle in a non-combustible holder. Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Place candlelit jack-o'-lanterns on sturdy tables, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave them unattended.
• Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes can brush against the flame.
• Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with holiday lighting or special effects. Keep exit doors unblocked. Replace bulbs on outdoor lights. Check that the batteries in your smoke alarms work.
• Keep pets safe by ensuring they stay away from the door. Do not let them outside.