Protecting Yourself Against Fire

1.   Check your smoke detectors

• Install smoke detectors outside bedrooms and on each floor of your home, including the basement.
• Make sure dust does not collect on smoke detectors and never paint over them.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries; they can fail without warning.
• Check smoke detectors at least once a month.
• Replace batteries at least once a year or, better yet, when you change your clocks in the spring and fall.
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years.

2.   Establish a fire evacuation plan

• Draw a diagram of your home, indicating two exits from each room.
• Hold fire drills with all members of your family.
• Decide on a place where you can meet outside and call for help.
• Practice crawling to avoid the heat and smoke.
• Remind all family members that they must go out and stay out.

3.   Use your kitchen safely

• Don’t leave anything cooking unattended. Turn off the stove even if you leave the room only for a few seconds.
• Use a CSA-approved fryer.
• Wear close-fitting clothing that won’t catch on pot handles.
• Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk of accidentally overturning the pot and to prevent children from grabbing it.
• Do not let children get closer than one meter (three feet) when you are cooking.

4.   Hide matches and lighters

• Ask children to tell you when they find matches or lighters.
• Remind them each time that such items are for adults only.

5.   Be careful if you smoke

• Never smoke in bed.
• Use only wide, stable ashtrays.
• Wet cigarette butts before disposing of them.
• After extinguishing a cigarette, make sure there are no ashes or butts on or around the furniture.

Wildfires
	The Home Owners FireSmart Manual - BC Edition Protect your home from wildfire. (Courtesy of the BC Forest Service Protection Program, Government of British Columbia.)
	Wildfires. Be prepared! Protect yourself and your home. (www.iclr.org)