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Fire Safety in the Home
Most fires occur in the home, and to minimize this danger it is recommended that a household fire safety audit
be conducted and a family escape plan be developed.
Household Fire Safety
Check your home for the following potential hazards:
• Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords, overloaded lighting
circuits, and so on. If you are uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or household
electrical service, have a professional evaluation.
• Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well ventilated and cool area? Cleaning
with flammable liquids, such as gasoline, should be avoided. Refer to product instructions, printed
warnings and labels for information on using and storing hazardous materials safely.
• Are fire hazardous materials (such as matches) well out of the reach of children?
• Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properly installed, clean, and in good working order? If in
doubt, have a professional evaluation.
Family Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time at which it becomes deadly. Because
of this, it is very important that a family escape plan be developed, practised and followed.
1 Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.
2 Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur at night,
special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3 It is essential that escape from a bedroom be possible without opening the interior door. Consider the
following when making your escape plans:
• Make sure that doors and windows that open to the outside are easily opened. Ensure that they are
not painted shut and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening an exit or using an exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped, plans for
rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that those who are to perform the rescue can
promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• If the exit is above ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided, as well as
training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio doors in
winter. Outdoor furniture or equipment should not block exits.
• The family should have a predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted for; for
example, across the street or at a neighbour’s house.
• Once everyone is out of the house, call the Fire Department.
• A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate first or attempt to fight the fire, and do not
attempt to rescue belongings as this takes up valuable time. Once outside, do not re-enter the house.
Wait for the fire department.
• Write the plan down and rehearse frequently, so that should an emergency arise, everyone will know
what they are to do. Revise the plan as conditions change; for example, when there are more or fewer
family members in the home, or if there are physical changes to the house.
• Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests as noted elsewhere in
this manual. If you are unsure about system operation, contact your installing company.
• It is recommended that you contact your local fire department and request further information on home
fire safety and escape planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an in-
house fire safety inspection.