Fire is fickle. We use it every day, whether it’s to heat our homes or heat our food.
But as useful as it might be, fire can equally be dangerous and destructive. It’s estimated that fire costs Canadians $11 billion annually. It’s all too easy to forget the dangers associated with this common tool.
Fire Prevention Week runs every October — this year going from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12; It’s a great time to check your smoke detectors, update or create an evacuation plan and remind yourself of the important information you need to know to protect you, your family and your home.
First and easiest: check and test your smoke alarms. It’s the simplest way to reduce risk. Ideally, you should have alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area. If you want the highest level of protection, ensure alarms are interconnected — when one sounds, all of them should. It’s fine to give them a test every October during fire prevention week, but it’s recommended you test them once a month.
But alarms are just one part of the equation. Do you know what you’d do if a fire broke out where you live? Panic will have your mind racing. It’s vital to have a plan so when the worst occurs, you’re prepared to get out and stay out.
It’s recommended that you should plan to have at least two ways out of your home in case of emergency — on the chance that one is blocked by smoke and flame.
If you’re someone who requires a mobility aid to get around like a can, scooter, walker or wheelchair — make sure it’s close by! If you don’t know if you’d be able to escape in the moment, make sure you have a phone nearby. If you end up trapped inside, you can use this to coordinate with your rescuers.
But what if we want to ensure fires never happen in the first place!
Most fires start as cooking fires. Never leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven. If food catches fire, don’t use water to put it out — especially if the fire is oil based. Put a lid on overtop to prevent air from fueling the fire and turn off the heat source.
If you take medications that make you drowsy, make sure to do your cooking beforehand.
If you’re an oxygen user, do not smoke anywhere near your oxygen canister or line.
All smokers should smoke outside, using large, deep and sturdy ashtrays. Make sure to wet your butts before throwing them out!
And if your clothes catch fire? Everyone knows this one! Say it with me:
Stop!
Drop!
Roll!
For more information, check out the city of Calgary website at https://www.calgary.ca/our-services/fire/campaigns.html for more information and great tips!