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Protect Yourself Against Fire  |   Smoke Detector And Extinguisher ABC's
Fireworks Safety

Fire Prevention

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.