Three-step approach to fire safety for families: prevent, detect, escape

Not all fires can be prevented, but many can. To keep your family safe, start by following this three-step approach to home fire safety:

1. Prevention – practice fire prevention particularly when cooking, smoking and around candles
   
   
2. Detection – install working smoke alarms on all levels, including sleeping areas
   
   
3. Escape – make a fire escape plan with two exits from each room. Practice your plan, know your meeting place and get out safely.

Research points to cooking as the leading cause of home fires in Canada. Oil and grease fires are the fastest-spreading and most destructive type of residential fire, but other common causes of fire at home are faulty electrical equipment, heating equipment and careless smoking.

These tips can also help you and your family stay safe:

• Test your smoke alarms each month to make sure they’re working.
  
  
• Purchase a fire extinguisher.
  
  
• Never leave food cooking on your stove or in your oven unattended.
  
  
• It takes one minute for a fire to get out of control. Time your fire escape plan and aim for under one minute.
  
  
• Children tend to hide under beds and in closets during fires. Be aware and help them commit your plan to memory.
  
  
• Adjust your fire escape plan for seniors, people with disabilities, children and pets.
  
  
• Stay close to the floor if there is heavy smoke. The air will be more breathable.
  
  
• If you are building a new home, consider installing fire sprinklers.

Remember these tips, share the video and practice your fire escape plan with your family, babysitters and frequent guests.