You’ve worked hard to purchase your personal property and want to make sure your family stays safe within your home. Below is a quick summary with tips and considerations for two fire prevention and protection devices to help you protect what’s most important to you.

Smoke Detectors

Here are some tips to remind you of what can and must be done to provide peace of mind and ensure you are abiding by the law.

Homeowners must install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of their home. They are best located outside sleeping areas. Landlords are responsible to ensure any rental properties they own have working and well maintained smoke alarms.

• Tenants must not remove batteries or tamper with alarms as this is against the law.
• Failure to abide by the smoke alarm requirements could result in a fine up to $50,000 for an individual.
• Make sure you test your smoke alarms monthly. This is important whether you have a battery operated or hard wired alarm.
• Vacuum your smoke alarm every six months to remove any build up or dust or insects that could cause false alarms.
• If you have a hard wired alarm already and it is time to replace it, it must be replaced with another hard wired alarm as required by the building code.
• Replace batteries at least once a year or whenever the low-battery warning occurs.
• Replace the actual alarm at least every 10 years.
• To assist with false alarms due to cooking areas or steam from a shower, relocate the alarm to an area where it will not be set off so easily.
• Another way to lessen false alarms is to install a photo-electric detection device if you are not able to relocate the alarm from outside sleeping areas.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

This is another protection device you should have in your home to assist in detaining a small fire before the fire department arrives. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe.

• Save lives first then property second.
• Always have an escape plan.
• There are three basic fire classes:

1. Ordinary combustibles
2. Flammable liquids, and
3. Electrical equipment

• Ensure when purchasing a fire extinguisher it is labelled with the class or classes of fire it is best suited to fight.
• The extinguisher need to be ULC tested so you know it is reliable
• Locate your extinguisher in a visible location, high on a wall, near an exit and away from any heat sources
• Take the time to train yourself and other adults in the house on how to use the extinguisher- an extinguisher is only as effective as the person using it.

These are only a few ideas and suggestions. It is always a good idea to visit your local fire and rescue services website or go in person to the fire department to gain knowledge on how to protect you and your property.