Fire safety

Smoke detector

Smoke detectors save lives.

• Ensure that your smoke detector is working properly. A smoke detector without a working battery or an inoperative power supply is the same as not having one at all.
• One smoke detector per home is not sufficient.
• Smoke detectors that are 10 years or older are not as efficient as a new detector.

Helpful Tips

• Install smoke detectors outside bedrooms and on each floor of your home, including the basement.
• Make sure dust does not collect on smoke detectors and never paint over them.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries as they can fail without warning.
• Check smoke detectors at least once a month.
• Replace smoke detector batteries at least twice a year, for example, when you change your clocks.
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.

Carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often referred to as the silent killer.

• Running a vehicle, fuelled engine, or barbeque indoors (even with the garage doors open) can create dangerous carbon monoxide gases.
• Debris/snow build-up around dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace vents can lead to improper venting and cause dangerous fumes in your home.
• Failing to perform regular maintenance on your heating appliance or chimney can cause dangerous gases.

Helpful Tips

• Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in a central location, outside each sleep area and on every level of your home.
• Keep all outside vents clear at all times.
• If symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion occur you should go outside or to an open window/door immediately.

Fire extinguisher

Do you know if you have a proper working fire extinguisher?

• If a seal is broken, tampered with, or missing your fire extinguisher will not work properly.
• If your fire extinguisher is not inspected regularly, it may not operate effectively when you need it.
• A fire extinguisher is not meant to extinguish large or uncontrolled fires.

Helpful Tips

• Be certain you have the right extinguisher for the fire you are fighting.
  • Class A – ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, and plastic.
  • Class B – flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil based paint, and flammable gases.
  • Class C – electrical wiring or household appliances.

• A multi-purpose ABC extinguisher is beneficial for general household use.
• Learn to use your extinguisher: Remember the acronym PASS
  • Pull the pin
  • Aim downward
  • Squeeze the lever
  • Sweep from side to side, aiming toward the base of the fire.
• Keep your fire extinguisher in plain view away from your stove/heating appliances and near an exit door.

Cooking fire

Cooking fires are a major cause of home fires.

• Deep fat frying with a pot of fat on the stove is not a safe practice.
• Never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking.
• Ensure that your kitchen stove and oven are kept clean and clear at all times.

Helpful Tips

• Use a thermostatically controlled electric deep fat fryer.
• Do not use tin foil or any other metal material/object in a microwave.
• Keep your oven clean from grease and food splatters as they can ignite at high temperatures.
• Use oven mitts when handling hot pots and pans.
• Do not wear loose clothing or long sleeves when cooking.
• Check for damaged or cracked cords on kettles and toasters.
• Buy appliances that shut off automatically.
• Refrain from cooking if you are impaired by alcohol, medication or drugs that will make you drowsy.