Fire Safety Tips

Fires can start in an instant, spread quickly, and cause severe damage to your home and belongings. It only takes a few minutes of your time to develop strong fire prevention practices and an emergency response plan for your home.

Here are a few things you can do right now to help protect your home from fire.

• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stovetop. You can use the lid to contain and smother small grease fires before they spread.
• Make sure anything that can catch fire—such as dish rags, curtains, and paper towels—are far away from the stovetop.
• Never overload an outlet or extension cord, especially when using high-energy appliances like toasters.
• When using space heaters, these must be plugged directly into a wall outlet and not a power bar.
• Clean your dryer lint screen after each load of laundry.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children.
• Extinguish candles when you leave the room, and do not leave candles burning overnight.
• Never light candles if oxygen tanks are used in your home.

Fire rated doors

Fire rated doors are an essential part of a building’s fire prevention strategy, but they can only do their job if they are closed. Fire doors are clearly marked with a sign stating ‘Fire door, keep closed’. If you see a fire door that is held open; whether that’s with a door wedge, fire extinguisher, chair, pot plant or anything else, please do your part in preventing the spread of a fire by closing the door.

Fire Escape Plans

On average, you’ll only have two minutes to escape from a housefire after the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use those minutes can make a lifesaving difference. Download a guide on creating an escape plan here.