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Home & Property - Protect yourself against fire

Caution and common sense could help avoid many unwanted fires. "Of course!" is probably what you're thinking. However, it's always a good idea to remind yourself of a few safety measures to protect your home and your loved ones.

Check your smoke detectors

• Test them monthly.
• Replace batteries at least once a year or better yet, when you set the clocks forward in the spring and back again in the fall!
• For more information about smoke detector maintenance...

Establish a fire evacuation plan

• Draw a diagram of your home, indicating two exits for each room.
• Hold fire drills with all members of your family.
• Decide on a place where you can meet outside and call for help.
• Practice crawling to avoid the heat and smoke.
• Remind all family members that they must go out and stay out.

Use your kitchen safely

• Don't leave anything cooking unattended. Turn off the stove even if you only leave the room for just a few seconds.
• Use a CSA-approved fryer.
• Wear close-fitting clothing that won't catch on pot handles.
• Turn pot handles inward to keep from overturning them and prevent children from grabbing them.
• Do not let children get closer than one meter (3 feet) when you are cooking.

Hide your matches and lighters

• Ask children to tell you when they find matches or lighters.
• Advise them each time that such items are for adults only.

Be careful if you smoke

• Never smoke in bed.
• Use only wide, stable ashtrays.
• Wet butts before disposing of them.
• After putting out a cigarette, make sure there are no ashes or butts on or around the furniture.

Be careful with electricity

• With a little attention, you can spot devices that are dangerous or in poor condition: flickering lamps, bare wires, burning odors, open circuit breakers.
• Never run electrical cords under furniture or rugs, where they may be crushed or even cut.
• Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis.
• Do not plug too many appliances into a single outlet.

Give space heaters space

• Leave at least one meter (3 feet) between combustible materials and space heaters.
• Turn off space heaters when leaving a room.

Get rid of combustible waste

• Regularly dispose of anything that could cause a fire, including flammable paints or solvents you no longer need, stacks of papers, etc.
• Do not leave any combustibles in the furnace room.