Did you know that there are about 24,000 fires in Canadian homes every year? Though this statistic is alarming, it is reassuring to know that there are simple things that you can do to seriously reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home.
Here are a few simple tricks to avoid home fire hazards:
Put A Fire Extinguisher In Your Kitchen
The public safety division of Alberta Municipal Affairs conducted a study that revealed that cooking is the leading cause of fires in houses. Along with installing an easy-to-access fire extinguisher in your kitchen, you can follow these eight rules:
- Never leave cooking unattended
- Always use an oven timer
- Never wear loose clothing that dangles close to your stovetop when cooking
- Make sure that your children stay at least 3 feet away from the stove when you are cooking
- Keep all flammable objects, like oven mitts, paper, or curtains, away from your stove or any other appliance that generates heat
- Prevent grease from building up on the tops of your counters
- Always check out your kitchen before going to bed, ensuring that all appliances are off
- Install a smoke detector near your kitchen
Regularly Test Your Smoke Detectors
Part of your regular home maintenance should be checking that your smoke detectors are working, and replacing their batteries annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Candles Are So Romantic, And Dangerous
Candlelight helps to create a relaxed atmosphere in homes, but it is important never to leave a candle burning unattended, as they are a primary source of house fires in Canada.
If you love candlelight and would like to continue to burn candles in your home, Fire Prevention Canada tells you all you ever wanted to know about burning candles without creating a home fire hazard.
Remove The Lint In Your Dryer
Being diligent about home fire safety includes removing the lint from the lint trap in your dryer before every use. Why? If your dryer gets hot enough, lint that has been left behind could catch fire.
Use Extension Cords Properly
Extension cords are meant to extend the length of a fixed cord and are highly useful, but they can morph into a home fire hazard if you:
- Run them under carpets
- Use them as fixed, or permanent, wiring
- Run them through walls, ceilings, or doors
- Staple them to an object
Space Heaters Need Space
It is a chilly February evening, but you are wrapped up in a blanket, reading a book, with your trusty space heater by your side. Nice. But be sure to give your space heater its space; place it at least 3 feet from all flammable items, including blankets, and clothing, and ensure that it is on stable flooring, and in no danger of tipping over.
If You Smoke In Your Home, Do So With Extraordinary Care
Firefighters recommend a no-smoking policy for houses: Cigarettes are a leading cause of house fires in Canada. If you are unable to follow this advice, never smoke while lying in your bed or when you are sleepy, or if you have been drinking alcohol.
Should you like to learn more about how to keep your home safe from fire, contact your insurance provider, as they will have detailed information about basic home maintenance, and on how to reduce the risk of fire in your home.
Or visit the Canadian Fire Safety Association for fire prevention fact sheets like a babysitter’s guide and educational colouring pages for children.