It's a nightmare to watch your home catch fire, but what's more devastating than losing a lifetime of property is losing your family.
According to the Canadian Fire Department, an average of 8 people in Canada die from fires every week, of which residential fires account for 73 of the deaths.
Ottawa Fire Department spokesman Mark meisiye said that developing a fire safety plan is the best way to ensure your family is safe in the event of a fire, the World Health Organization noted that, an average of 400 residential fires occur in Ottawa each year.
Here are some tips for designing a fire safety plan.
Your fire safety plan should involve everyone in the family, including young children, elderly parents and pets.
Designate a family member, such as a parent or sibling, to ensure that those who cannot go out on their own can evacuate safely and have a backup in the event that the person is not at home.
There are two exits in each room.
Allow the children to practice opening locked windows and doors in case they need to use them during the escape.
Ontario law requires a working smoke alarm at each level.
Meisiye recommends checking the smoke detectors twice a year.
(It's a good time when the clock changes.
) Electric smoke alarms are a great option for those who don't want to worry about replacing batteries.
However, Messier warned that these would become useless if there was a power outage.
He also suggested electric smoke detectors with spare batteries.
Smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained should provide adequate warning so that you can leave your home safely.
'Putting smoke detectors in each bedroom is a good idea, especially if your family likes to sleep with the door closed, 'says messyer.
"There are not many things like smoke detectors.
"Most residential fires start with the kitchen, so this is a great place to install safety measures.
"Fire extinguishers are the best tool to put out grease fires," Messier said . " Although he warned that these should be used only for small fires.
When developing a fire evacuation plan, specify a meeting place where you can call 911.
Make sure everyone in your family knows they won't
Enter the family for any reason.
Wait for firefighters to rescue operations.
Merseyye recommends carrying out your fire escape plan twice a year.
Practice will help prevent panic if a real fire occurs.
Fire hazards are everywhere during the holiday season.
Keep these safety rules in mind and make sure you have a happy firefree holiday. 1.
The real trees smell lovely, but check them every day to make sure they are well hydrated.
"When the tree starts to lose a lot of needles, it's time to put it outside," said meisiye . ". 2.
Guests who want to smoke are encouraged to smoke outside to avoid fires caused by accidentally discarded cigarettes. 3. A wood-
The burning fireplace creates a warm and comfortable atmosphere, but messyer says make sure the fire is completely extinguished before retiring at night.
The best way to deal with the Ashes is to put them in a steel tank and put them outside to cool for a few days before they are discarded to avoid burning the ashes causing a fire. 4.
Place the candle on a stable surface and stay away from the pet as the pet accidentally turns the candle over with its tail.
Never leave the burning candles unattended.