Fire Safety

Fire extinguishers

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms can cut the chance of dying in a fire in half, but they must be working properly to do so. NFPA�s data shows that many homes have smoke alarms that aren�t working or maintained properly, usually because of missing, disconnected or dead batteries.

According to NFPA, interconnected smoke alarms offer the best protection; when one sounds, they all do. This is particularly important in larger or multi-story homes, where the sound from distant smoke alarms may be reduced to the point that it may not be loud enough to provide proper warning, especially for sleeping individuals. Interconnected smoke alarms can be hard-wired or wireless battery-operated interconnected alarms are now available.

NFPA offers the following tips for making sure smoke alarms are maintained and working properly: 

  Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.

  If an alarm �chirps,� warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

  Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they�re 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.

Fire Prevention Facts:

28% - Number of Canadian homes that do not have a fire extinguisher. Even if you have a properly maintained fire extinguisher, you must aim it at the base of the fire to be successful.

63% - Number of reported fires each year in homes that have either no smoke alarms or a non-working smoke alarm. Two-thirds of fire deaths also occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

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