5 ways you can keep your home firesafe in 2023

Fire safety should always be one of your New Year's resolutions, writes Andrew Zvanitajs

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 9, 2023
Chief Andrew Zvanitajs

Happy New Year! It’s the start of 2023, and a great time to begin new habits or recommit to existing ones. Remember, emergencies can happen anywhere at any time, so don’t wait on fire safety.

Here are five fire prevention resolutions you can complete right now.

TEST YOUR ALARMS AND CHECK THEIR EXPIRY DATES

Having a working smoke alarm is the simplest way to save your life. It not only alerts you to a fire, but can also give you precious seconds to escape.

In Ontario, it has been proven that working alarms save lives. Make sure yours can alert you if there is an emergency by testing your alarms regularly and replacing old batteries. You should also check the expiry date on each device.

Most carbon monoxide alarms expire every five years, while smoke alarms expire every 10 years. Check the date printed on your alarm or the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.

CREATE A HOME ESCAPE PLAN

Have and practise a home escape plan so everyone knows what to do in an emergency. You can create one in a few easy steps:

Draw your home’s floor plan, including all doors, windows and stairs for each level, and note any features to help you escape, such as a garage or a balcony.

Mark at least two escape routes from each room, so if one exit is blocked, you know another way out.

Select a meeting place outside (e.g. a street sign or a mailbox) to gather and call 911. A meeting place allows you to count everyone and inform firefighters if anybody is still inside. Never go back into a burning building.

BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT

An emergency kit for your home should have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours and include clothes, food and water, a radio, a whistle and a flashlight with extra batteries.

An emergency kit for your vehicle should have a shovel, booster cables, a blanket and vehicle fluids (windshield washer, antifreeze).

For more information about planning for an emergency, visit vaughan.ca/EmergencyPlanning.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

In your home, keep the areas in front of doors and windows clear so exits are not blocked in case of an emergency. In the kitchen, move all combustible items (e.g. cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders) a safe distance from the stove.

CHECK YOUR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Did you know electrical equipment is a leading cause of home fires in Ontario?

Check the electrical cords in and around your home, and replace any damaged cords. Use extension cords only as a temporary connection. If permanent wiring is required, have a licensed electrician install additional outlets.

Visit vaughan.ca/fire to learn more about fire safety and all the precautions you can take to help keep your family safe all year.