Fire Prevention Tips

Reminder
Remember to check your smoke detector battery at least once a year!
  1. Electrical Fire Hazards
  2. Chimney & Barbecue Hazards
  3. Smoke Detectors
  4. Fire Extinguishers
  5. The Escape Route
  6. Other Safety Tips
Electrical Fire Hazards
  • Do not overload electrical sockets!
  • If you have an older home, have the wiring checked to make sure it meets current building codes.
  • Check all appliances and extension cords for frayed or exposed wires. Open or damaged wires start a number of home fires.
  • Clean and service heating systems and furnaces annually. Neglect can lead to poor ventilation or deteriorating wires and both can cause fires. Also, make sure your system has an emergency shut-off switch!
  • Misused space heaters start fires fast. They should never be used as a primary source of heat. Do not leave them in doorways or stairways. Make sure they are nowhere near combustible materials such as upholstery and drapes. Do not add fuel to a portable that is still on or hot. The fuel could "explode" into flames.
  • Unplug heat-producing appliances that are not in use, such as toasters, kettles, space heaters, electric frying pans and irons. On/off switches can fail, leaving the appliance on.
  • Use only appliances listed by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). They are tested for safety.
  • Turn off appliances when not in use.
  • Always use the proper fuses in your home. Never use pennies, wires or fuses of higher amperage than required to replace burned out fuses.