Fire Prevention Week Safety Tips

Protect your family from fire with these tips

Taking a few preventative steps can play an important role in protecting yourself and your family members from the dangers of fire.

Fire Prevention Week took place from Oct. 9 to 15, 2011, and the theme was “Protect Your Family From Fire.”

In Canada, an average of eight people die from fire every week and in most cases, these fires were preventable.

These tips can help protect your family from fire-related damage and loss.

1. If you have a fireplace, use a screen in front of the fireplace opening to protect children and prevent embers from escaping and igniting the floor or other furniture in the area.
2. When doing laundry, be sure to clean the lint filter before and after each use, and wipe away any lint that has accumulated around the drum, as lack of maintenance is the number one cause of dryer fires.
3. Teach children that lighters and matches are not toys. Instruct young children to tell an adult if they find lighters or matches.
4. Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles and do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle or an accident is all it takes to start a fire.
5. When cooking, turn pot handles towards the centre of the stove. Store items that interest children, such as cookies, away from the immediate area around the kitchen stove.
6. Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area. For improved safety, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
7. Develop an emergency escape plan for your family, and practice it regularly.