Fire Safety Checklist

Most fire deaths occur in homes. Most victims of fires die from smoke inhalation and not from burns. Fire alarms prevent deaths from smoke inhalation & save lives. Install fire alarms in your home and check the batteries often.

Are you aware of all of the fire hazards around you?

Use this fire safety checklist to prevent fires at home:

-      Don’t leave food cooking on the stove or in your oven unattended. Fires also often start in toasters and toaster ovens.

- Clean appliances. When doing laundry, clean drier lint trays after every load. Clean stove ovens, hoods and vents. Replace outdated appliances. Purchase irons & coffee makers that have an automatic turn-off safety feature.

 - Have space heaters properly installed, away from high traffic areas. Leave plenty of space between the heater and your furniture, bedding and curtains. Electric heaters can also get hot (check them). A small heater got so hot it actually burnt a hole in my dad's floor.

- Night lights can also get warm. Use the safety cover & keep away from plush toys, clothes, curtains & bedding.

-      Keep your yard & garage free of combustible materials like old rags, boxes & papers. Keep materials away from your furnace, water heater & dryer.

-      Properly dispose of old unwanted paint cans. If storing/keeping paints, ensure the containers have tight fitting lids. Store gasoline & flammable liquids in proper containers away from heat sources. Do not store gas or propane in the house.

-      Don’t over-load your electrical circuits. Always have a qualified electrician install new outlets & wiring.

-      Always use quality extension cords, CSA approved & suitable for the job. Never place cords under carpets. Never use indoor extension cords outdoors & visa versa.

-      Have your furnace, fireplace/chimney or wood stove inspected & serviced/cleaned. Use fireplace metal screens.

- Planning a candle light dinner or romantic evening? Never leave burning candles unattended.

-      Electrical equipment like DVD players & video consoles can get very hot. Give them space. Ensure they have proper ventilation & keep them away from paper & cloth.

- Use recommended/proper wattage when replacing bulbs in your light fixtures.

-      Cigarette butts lodged in furniture and bedding can cause fires in the middle of the night. Never smoke when sleepy, especially in bed. Fires started by cigarettes, are a leading cause of fire deaths. Use large/safe ashtrays & dispose of smoking materials safely. 

-      As mentioned before, install fire alarms & carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. Check batteries/working condition regularly.

Prevent fires before they happen. Reduce fire risks. Use our fire safety checklist & use common-sense. 

It is also important to know what to do in the event of a fire. For example, never try to put out a kitchen fire with water. Buy a small chemical fire extinguisher for your kitchen (a thoughtful Christmas gift idea).

A fire can engulf a room in only 5 minutes. If you can not put a fire out in 3 minutes or less, get out & call EMS (911). Be prepared. Have a fire escape plan.

Be fire safe!