Helpful Information • 20 November 2023

10 Home Fire Prevention Tips

by Ashley Farrell

10 HOME FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Ensuring the safety of your property and loved ones is so important. Fire prevention is a crucial aspect of home safety, and implementing the right measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. Here are 10 essential home safety tips for fire prevention that every homeowner should consider.

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1

INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
Consider interconnected smoke alarms, so when one sounds, they all sound.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button, and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.

2

CREATE AN ESCAPE PLAN

Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two ways out of every room, especially bedrooms.
Ensure that windows can be easily opened and that security bars have quick-release devices from the inside.
Designate a meeting place outside and a safe distance from the home.
Practice the escape plan with all family members at least twice a year, especially with young children.

3

KEEP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS NEARBY

Place fire extinguishers in areas where fires are most likely to start, such as the kitchen, garage, and workshop.
Choose the right type of fire extinguisher for your home, such as ABC multipurpose extinguishers.
Train family members on how to use a fire extinguisher, following the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

4

MAINTAIN HEATING SYSTEMS

Have a professional inspect and clean your heating systems annually, including furnaces, chimneys, and wood stoves.
Keep flammable materials, such as clothing, paper, and curtains, at least three feet away from heating equipment.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas.

5

KITCHEN FIRE SAFETY

Never leaving cooking food unattended
Keep flammable items such as dish towels & oven mitts away from the stove
Become educated on grease fires & how to properly handle them in case one arises.

6

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Avoid overloading electrical outlets / powerbars and use surge protectors when necessary.
Inspect cords and plugs for damage, and replace them if needed.
Consider upgrading older two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets if you have them.

7

CLEAR CLUTTER

Keep flammable items such as paper, clothing, and curtains away from heaters, furnaces, and other heat sources.
Regularly declutter and maintain a tidy living space to reduce fire hazards and improve overall home safety.
Clearly outline escape paths and ensure they remain clear of clutter in case the need of a quick emergency exit

8

SECURE CANDLES & SMOKING MATERIALS

Use sturdy, non-flammable candle holders and place candles on a stable surface away from flammable materials.
If you smoke, ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished and disposed of in non-flammable containers, such as a metal can filled with sand.

9

CHECK APPLIANCES

Regularly inspect and maintain appliances to prevent electrical malfunctions that could lead to fires.
Unplug appliances when not in use, and replace any frayed or damaged cords immediately.

10

EDUCATE YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY

Teach children about fire safety, including the dangers of playing with matches or lighters.
Encourage family members to be vigilant and proactive in fire prevention efforts, and discuss the importance of fire safety as a family.