Fire Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

In 2021, three quarters of Canadian fire related deaths stemmed from residential fires. This prompts a crucial question; if a fire occurred in your home tonight, how prepared would you be?

Amid any uncertainties you might be currently experiencing, know that you are not alone. Below, you will find fire safety tips that are more than guidelines; they're a shared commitment to empower every homeowner. These steps cam help you confidently navigate this potentially life-changing event. From prevention strategies and escape plans to essential fire safety equipment, let us work together to protect your home.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES: FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Preventing a fire is the first line of defense for your home. Minimize the risk by following a combination of Ontario's Fire Safety Guidelines and some additional tips we’ve included:

ALWAYS

• Store flammable products away from heat sources
• Turn off cookware when leaving kitchen
• Unplug devices that are not in use
• Empty ashes in a metal container and keep outside
• Ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code (OFC)
  
  

AVOID

• Overloading circuits
• Running electrical cables under easily flammable objects
• Becoming distracted while cooking
• Leaving your laptop unattended on a mattress
• Smoking inside
  
  

FIRE ESCAPE PLAN: PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES

Developing a Fire Escape Plan is key to ensuring safety.  Follow these steps when creating your own.

1. DRAW A FLOOR PLAN
   •  Highlight emergency exits and location of fire extinguishers
2. IDENTIFY WHO NEEDS ASSISTANCE
   • Children
   • Elderly
   • Those with disabilities
3. IDENTIFY TWO ESCAPE STRATEGIES FROM EACH ROOM
   • Direct (doorway)
   • Window (indirect)
4. ESTABLISH A MEETING SPOT OUTSIDE
   
5. PRACTICE

FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT: IMPORTANCE & INSTALLATION

Equip your home with these essential tools designed to help detect and eliminate small fires.

SMOKE DETECTORS

• Under the OFC,  every residential property must have a working smoke detector on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.
• Regular maintenance and inspection will ensure timely detection of fire.
• Replace smoke detector every 10 years.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

•  Keep at least one fire extinguisher in home, preferably near an escape route.
•  Intended to extinguish small fires or help contain them, until the Fire Department arrives.
•  If unsafe to use, evacuate to outdoor meeting spot and wait for Fire Department.

Dealing with a fire in your home can be a daunting experience but, with proper preparation and quick response, it becomes a manageable situation. Using the above guidelines as resources is ideal but never hesitate in finding more information regarding fire safety. Above all else, remember that you are never alone in moments such as these.

Now, if a fire occurred in your home tonight, how prepared would you be?

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