Fire Safety Tips
Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure yours are properly installed and maintained.
​
Top Tips
-
Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the "Test" button on the alarm.
-
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
-
Ensure smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas and on every floor including the basement.
-
Change batteries at least once a year or when the low battery chirp sounds.
-
Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested. ​
​
Types of Alarms
The two most common types of smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric alarms.
​
Ionization - An ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is more responsive to smoldering fires.
Photoelectric - Photoelectric smoke alarms are the best type of alarms to be installed near the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce nuisance alarms.
​Home Escape Planning​
Fire can spread quickly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape once the alarm sounds. Creating a comprehensive home fire escape plan is essential for ensuring the safety of all household members in the event of a fire.
​
Draw a Detailed Map of Your Home
Sketch a floor plan that includes all doors and windows. Identify two possible exits from each room, ensuring that windows and doors can be opened easily.
Choose a Safe Meeting Place
Choose a safe location a safe distance from your home where everyone can gather after evacuating. This could be a tree, mailbox, or light pole.
​
Practice Your Escape Plan
Conduct home fire drills at least twice a year, practicing both during the day and at night. Ensure everyone in the household participates and is familiar with the plan.
​
Teach Children How to Escape on Their Own
In case you cannot assist them, children should know how to exit the home safely and where to meet. Emphasize the importance of not hiding and responding promptly when they hear the smoke alarm.
Cooking Safety
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. To ensure your kitchen remains a safe environment, follow these safety precautions.
​
​Stay Attentive While Cooking
Never leave the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you need to step away, turn off the stove. When simmering, baking, or roasting, remain at home and check your food regularly.
Maintain a Clutter-Free Cooking Area
Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels at least three feet away from the stovetop.
Supervise Children and Pets
Establish a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
​
Be Prepared
Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If a small grease fire occurs, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover until the pan has cooled completely.
​