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Keep your home safe from fires during this holiday season

Canadian Red Cross volunteers respond to a disaster in Canada on average five times a day. The majority of these disasters are house fires. The holiday period is a particularly vulnerable time, as many Canadians have extra lights and candles burning on and around the Christmas tree. According to recent polling by the Red Cross, 12 per cent of Canadians have personally experienced a fire-related disaster, yet two thirds of Canadians say they have not taken steps to prepare in the event of a disaster.

Despite these statistics, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire and protect your family in case a fire occurs.

Tips:

1. No one wants to think of a fire breaking out in their home, but it can happen. Prevention is key. Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from heat sources.

• Never leave candles unattended.
• Talk to children about the dangers of fire and keep lighters and matches out of reach.
• Christmas trees can get very dry when inside and can catch fire easily. Make sure you water the tree regularly and use approved lights.

2. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a fire is to be prepared by having an emergency plan and building or buying an emergency preparedness kit.

• Build a grab-and-go emergency kit with essential items and copies of important documents. Put them in a backpack or a suitcase so it’s easy to transport and store it in an easy to access spot. You can buy a kit or make your own.
• Create a fire plan with your family and practice it twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and, test them monthly, and replace the batteries at daylight savings time each year.
• Get trained in first aid.

What to do if a fire occurs:

• Follow your escape plan. Get out and stay out.
• If smoke, heat or flames block your exit, stay in the room with the doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call 911. Open a window and wave a brightly coloured cloth or use a flashlight to signal for help.
• For more information on cleaning up and what to do after a fire, download a guide to fire recovery.

Be Red Cross Ready!

 

Posted:  December 13, 2012