Everyday Fire Safety and Prevention Tips

Smoke alarms             

Test Your Smoke Alarms Monthly:

• Press and hold the test button on the smoke alarm – the alarm should sound immediately.
• If the smoke alarm does not have a test button, consider replacing it.
• Test by drifting smoke from an extinguished candle under the alarm – alarm should sound within 20 seconds.
• Fan smoke away to silence alarm.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years.

If The Alarm Does Not Sound…

Clean Your Smoke Alarms Twice A Year:

• Remove and wipe the cover with a damp cloth.
• Gently vacuum the inside of the alarm.
• Replace the cover and test the alarm to make sure it is working.

Escape Route 

At Work – Do You Know… If You Don’t Know, Find Out Now!

• Your Fire Department Emergency number?
• Your fire escape plan?
• Your designated meeting place in the event of a fire?
• Who is your floor fire emergency officer?
• The location of the nearest fire extinguisher?
• The location of the nearest fire alarm station?
• The location of the nearest two exits?
• Who needs assistance in the event of an emergency
• Mobility-impaired? Have you informed your floor fire emergency officer?
• Read your posted fire emergency instructions!
• Report all fire hazards!
• When the fire alarm sounds – notify the Fire Department

At Home – Develop and Practice A Fire Escape Plan

• Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room.
• Where possible, plan two exits – a main route and an alternate exit route from each room.
• Make certain that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke alarm, or someone shouting “FIRE”, they should immediately evacuate the home.
• Designate a meeting place outside your home in the event of fire.
• If you live in an apartment building, develop your escape plan taking into account fire escape procedures provided by the building management.
• Make sure your baby-sitter understands your fire escape plan.
• Practice Your Escape Plan – Regular practice is essential so that every family member knows what to do.
• If anyone in your home is unable to evacuate without assistance, assign someone to assist them.
• Ensure that everyone in your home knows NOT TO RE-ENTER.
• Call the Fire Department from a neighbour’s home.

Practice Fire Safety at Home 

Kitchen:

• Use a temperature-controlled electric skillet or deep-fryer for frying.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Use appropriate cooking appliances and keep clean.
• Keep a pot cover nearby to “put a lid on it” in the event of a fire.
• Avoid loose long sleeves when cooking.
• Check kettles and toasters for damaged electrical cords and thermostats.
• Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off.
• Keep a timer handy to remind when oven and burners should be switched off.
• If medications cause drowsiness -do not use cooking appliances.
• For safety and insurance purposes wood stoves must be installed by a professional.

Living Room:

• Always use a fire screen making sure it is the correct size for the fireplace opening.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords in place of additional outlets.
• Smokers should check furniture for fallen cigarettes or embers which can smolder undetected for several hours before bursting into flames.
• Ensure careful use of smoking materials and extinguish in water before disposal.
• Never leave cigarettes unattended in an ashtray.
• Use safety ashtrays with a double rim and deep centre.
• Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of reach of children.
• Never leave lit candles unattended. 

Bedroom:

• Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area. For extra protection install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
• Test smoke alarms at least monthly.
• Change smoke alarm batteries every year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• Check electrical appliances regularly – electric blankets, heating pads, curling irons, radios, televisions, irons.
• Bedrooms should be non-smoking areas.

Basement And Attic:

• Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the basement and attic.
• Store gasoline in well-ventilated areas – not in basements or confined areas.
• Do not store propane indoors.
• Use only approved containers to store and transport gasoline
• Have a thorough yearly maintenance check carried out on all aspects of the furnace by a professional.
• When replacing an old furnace consult a professional to determine the most safe, economical and efficient system for your home.
• Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.

Garage And Workshop:

• Flammable materials – thinners, gasoline, paints, industrial cleaners – should be stored neatly in approved containers and away from ignition sources.
• Do not smoke or leave matches or lighters in the garage or workshop.
• Install and be knowledgeable in the use of the appropriate fire extinguisher for the area.
• Keep the area clean – remove garbage, paper products, oily rags and wood shavings regularly.