Fire safety is easy to put off when nothing seems wrong. The stove works, the heater keeps the room warm, and the smoke alarm is still on the ceiling. But when did you last check how safely everything is being used—or whether that alarm works?
A walk through your home can help you spot hazards, check your alarms and talk through what everyone would do if a fire started.
Keep the stovetop clear—and stay nearby
Before turning on a burner, move dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging and anything else that could catch fire away from the cooking area.
Stay in the kitchen when frying or cooking with oil, and turn off the burner if you need to leave. When baking or roasting, stay home, check the food regularly and use a timer as a reminder.
Keep a properly fitting lid nearby. For a small pan fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the heat only if you can do so safely. Don’t reach across flames, move the pan or add water. Leave the lid in place until the pan has cooled.
If the fire spreads, smoke builds up or you’re unsure what to do, get everyone outside and call 911. Firefighters should check a cooking fire even when it appears to be out, as flames may have reached the range hood or duct.
Check where the heater actually sits
A portable electric heater needs at least one meter of space from curtains, bedding, furniture and clothing. That includes laundry drying nearby.
Plug it directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords and power bars are not suitable for portable electric heaters. Turn the heater off before leaving the room or going to sleep, and follow its operating instructions.
Make a quick check before bed
Walk through the rooms you’ve used. Put out candles, check that cooking appliances are off and look for anything resting against a heat source.
Battery-operated candles are a practical option for shelves, seasonal displays and busy households. If you use real candles, place them in sturdy holders, away from materials that can burn and where children or pets cannot knock them over.
Give smoke alarms a date on the calendar
Test smoke alarms every month and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and battery instructions. Health Canada recommends replacing alarms that are more than 10 years old.
If you’ve recently moved, check the age of the alarms rather than assuming they were replaced before closing. Ask your local fire department for guidance if you’re unsure about placement or coverage.
Practise leaving the house
Talk through how everyone would get outside, including anyone who needs help. Identify two ways out of each room where possible, choose an outdoor meeting place and practise the plan.
Keep those routes usable. A door blocked by storage or a window hidden behind furniture is something to address before an emergency.
Once outside, stay outside and call 911. Don’t go back in for belongings or pets; tell firefighters if someone or an animal is still inside.