Each year, thousands of people are killed and injured in house fires. Preparing for the worst gives you the best chance of survival. Conduct a thorough inspection and identify the hazards that exist in your home, one room at a time. Check this list and make sure that you’re doing everything possible to keep your family safe…
LIVING ROOM
- Test smoke detectors
- Check for overload outlets & extension cords
- Check appliance cords, repairing any that are worn
- Ensure that space heaters are 3 feet away from walls & curtains
- Use a metal or glass fireplace screen
- Have your chimney serviced regularly
- Keep matches & lighters out of the reach of children
- Ensure that the TV & other electronics have room to breathe
- Unplug broken appliances until they’re fixed
- Do not run cords under rugs & carpets
- Check for overload outlets & extension cords
- Fit electrical sockets with childproof plugs (as required)
- Ensure that light fixtures have bulbs with correct wattage
KITCHEN
- Test smoke detectors
- Check for overload outlets & extension cords
- Check appliance cords, repairing any that are worn
- Ensure that nothing is being stored over the stove
- Keep curtains & towel racks away from the stove
- Keep stove & oven free of oil & grease
- Ensure a full fire extinguisher is located in the kitchen
- Ensure that the microwave oven has room to breathe
- Ensure that cleaning products are kept away from stove
BATHROOM
- Test smoke detectors
- Check for overload outlets & extension cords
- Check appliance cords, repairing any that are worn
- Keep appliances away from water
BEDROOMS
- Test smoke detectors
- Check for overload outlets & extension cords
- Check appliance cords, repairing any that are worn
- Keep a flashlight beside each bed
BASEMENT/GARAGE/STORAGE
- Test smoke detectors
- Check for overload outlets & extension cords
- Check appliance cords, repairing any that are worn
- Store flammables in sealed metal containers away from heat
- Check heating appliances yearly
- Keep work areas clean
- Replace blown fuses with ones of the same size
- Do not store anything near the furnace or heater
- Remove flammable garbage & recycling
- Keep oily, greasy rags in sealed containers
- Keep paint in its original containers
- Set water heater at 49-54 degrees Celsius
OUTDOORS
- Treat roof with fire retardant material
- Never use accelerant on a grill once it’s lit
- Move lawn mower away from gasoline fumes before starting
- Allow lawn mower engine to cool before refueling
- Install a lightning protection system
