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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