How to protect your home from fires

Protecting your home from fire involves prevention, early detection, and preparation.

🔥 Prevent Fires Before They Start

  • Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying.
  • Keep flammable items (paper, curtains, furniture) away from stoves, heaters, and fireplaces.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips.
  • Replace damaged electrical cords.
  • Have heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces inspected regularly.
  • Store gasoline, paint, and other flammable liquids in approved containers away from living areas.
  • Extinguish candles before leaving a room, or use battery-powered alternatives.

🚨 Install Fire Detection Systems

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year (or as recommended by the manufacturer).
  • Consider interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, all sound.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors if you use gas appliances or have an attached garage.

🧯 Keep Firefighting Equipment Ready

  • Keep at least one fire extinguisher in the kitchen and others near garages or workshops.
  • Learn the PASS method:
    • Pull the pin
    • Aim at the base of the fire
    • Squeeze the handle
    • Sweep side to side
  • Only attempt to extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so.

🏠 Improve Home Safety

  • Use fire-resistant roofing and siding materials when renovating.
  • Keep escape routes clear of clutter.
  • Ensure house numbers are visible from the street so emergency responders can find your home quickly.
  • For homes in wildfire-prone areas, create a defensible space by clearing dry vegetation around the property.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Make a Fire Escape Plan

  • Identify two ways out of every room if possible.
  • Choose a meeting place outside the home.
  • Practice fire drills with everyone in the household at least twice a year.
  • Teach children how to respond to smoke alarms.

⚠️ If a Fire Occurs

  • Get out immediately.
  • Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation.
  • Close doors behind you if possible to slow the spread of fire.
  • Call emergency services from outside.
  • Never re-enter a burning building.