Think about the Unthinkable

We prefer not to think about unpleasant things, such as what would happen if a fire started in our home. Better to focus on preventing it happening, by observing the following guidelines from the Canada Safety Council.

Family Fire Safety

  • Plan and practice two escape routes from each bedroom. If one is through a second storey window, make sure you have a way to reach the ground safely
  • Make sure everyone knows your escape plan and outside meeting place, and how to call the fire department.
  • Fight a fire only if you can do so with your back to an exit.

Heating Equipment

  • Have your furnace checked and your chimney cleaned every year.
  • Clear the area around your furnace of boxes and papers.
  • Use a metal screen on your fireplace and burn only wood.
  • Keep portable heaters at least one metre away from bedding and drapes.
  • Store paint and other flammable products away from the furnace or water heater.
  • If you heat your home with gas, oil, wood or other fossil fuels, install a carbon monoxide detector with a UL or ULC label.

In the Kitchen

  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Don’t store things over the stove.
  • Keep your oven and stove clean and clear of potholders and clutter.
  • Smother a grease fire with a lid – never throw water on the flame.
  • Never heat oil in an open pot – use a CSA-approved, sealed, deep fryer.

In the Home

  • Install smoke detectors outside bedrooms and make sure everyone can hear and recognize the alarm with doors closed.
  • Replace smoke detector batteries once a year.
  • Have all-purpose fire extinguishers near cooking and heating equipment.

Information provided by the Canada Safety Council.

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