Fire-Prevention

• Clean out your house, basement and garage of unnecessary clutter.
• Keep necessary items in non-flammable storage containers instead of cardboard boxes.
• Remove anything that could restrict access to exit doors or that could provide fuel in a fire along an exit route.
• Choose hard-surfaced floor coverings instead of carpets, blinds instead of curtains and drapes. 
• Store important papers and documents in a metal (preferably fireproof) filing cabinet.
• Flatten and recycle cardboard boxes, which won't protect your stored items from smoke or flood damage anyway.
• Check electronics for needed repairs, including frayed or damaged cords. Don't use these items till repairs are done.
• Avoid buying a used appliance without a safety inspection sticker, or have it checked out by a reliable serviceman before use.
• Supervise small children at all times.
• Hair is very flammable, take care around lit candles.
• Use a battery-operated light in a Hallowe'en pumpkin.
• Teach  and practise what to do if you ever catch fire--stop, drop and roll. 
• Don't let pets (rabbits and puppies) that might chew on electrical cords, roam the house unsupervised.
• Ban smoking indoors and inside vehicles.
• Never leave lit candles or fires unattended.
• Safely snuff candle flame with a long-handled candle snuffer.
• Do not light candles near fabric and a wind source (e.g. draperies near an open window, fan, or draft.)
• Don't leave matches and lighters where they can be accessed by children, people with cognitive disorders, or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• Don't lean over a flame.
• Keep BBQ lighters switched off.
• Never leave a pot on the stove unattended. If called away from the stove, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the heat source.
• Do not pour water on a grease fire. If safely possible, turn off the stove and smother the flames with baking soda or the metal lid of the pot (glass lids can crack). Don't pick up a flaming pot to take to the sink--flame can catch your hair, clothes or kitchen curtains.
• If you can't douse a flame safely, get out of the house first then call 911.
• Avoid using the stove when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are extremely tired, or distracted.
• Read appliance safety instructions and follow them.
• Plan a family fire escape route and another using an alternate exit, agree where to meet outside if there is a fire, practise your plan.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and keep it easily accessible where it's most likely to be used (e.g. in the cupboard next to the stove--not above it.) Replace it when it expires.
• Give a fire extinguisher as a housewarming or shower gift. 
• When your gas lawnmower dies, replace it with a rechargeable battery-operated machine or a manual lawnmower.
• Store gasoline and oil outside of the house, in a safe place.
• Do not store rechargeable batteries near a heat source like a water heater or furnace.
• Furnaces, wood stoves and fireplaces need to be cleaned and inspected regularly--look at your manual and call a qualified contractor to schedule maintenance checks.
• Gas fireplaces and appliances must be installed and serviced only by those trained and qualified to do so. 
• If you smell gas, open a window, get the family and the pets out of the house, and call the gas company from your cell phone outdoors, or from a neighbour's house. Do not re-enter the house or use your phone, switch on a light, or use any appliances inside the house until qualified gas personnel tell you it is safe to do so.
• If your wiring is old, your lights flicker, your fuses often blow--call an electrician to do an inspection.
• Replace old fuses with the same-numbered fuse.
• Avoid storing flammables like campfire fire-starters. Buy as needed.
• Don't use gasoline to start a fire or light the BBQ.
• Don't store anything flammable near the gas water heater or the furnace.
• If there are earthquake tremors, if you can safely do so, turn off the gas at the main (at your gas meter). This could help prevent further damage from a gas explosion and fire. If you don't know how to turn off the gas to your house, ask your gas maintenance worker or meter reader.
• Get expert advice to plan a complete "fire hazard home inspection" and teach all family members fire safety. The Toronto Fire Department has a fire safety card which you can print out in twelve languages. There are also tips about fire extinguishers, advice for babysitters, and more. Check out their site here. Print out a fire prevention checklist like this one provided by the city of Phoenix.