Home safety
Most fires are preventable, but if a fire does start, make sure you and your home are ready.
- Check and maintain your smoke alarms monthly.
- Push the test button to make sure they are functioning.
- Smoke alarms have a life of about 10 years. After that, they should be replaced.
- Change your batteries one to two times per year to ensure smoke alarms will sound in a fire. If your alarms have 10-year batteries, they will not need to be changed.
- Ensure your home is not surrounded by plants and trees that may encourage fire growth if a fire starts.
- Have a home escape plan with your entire family.
- Know at least two ways out of every room, incase one exit is blocked.
- Get out and stay out! Remind family members to never re-enter the home incase of a fire.
- Have a meeting place that everyone knows and can go to once out of the house.
- You can draw and practice your escape plan with this fun activity sheet.
- Be mindful of your barbeque grills as they can cause serious house fires.
- If living in an apartment building, check with your apartment supervisor to know what may be allowed on patios.
- Understand more about balcony fires.