Home Tips

Kitchen

• Avoid loose long sleeves when cooking.
• Check kettles and toasters for damaged electrical cords and thermostats.
• Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off.
• Keep a timer handy to remind you when the oven and burners should be switched off.
• If you take medication that causes drowsiness, do not use cooking appliances.
• Use a temperature-controlled electric skillet or deep-fryer for frying.
• Never leave your cooking unattended.
• Use appropriate cooking appliances and keep them clean.
• Keep a pot cover nearby to “put a lid on it” in the event of a fire.

Living Room

• Fireplace: always use a fire screen, ensuring it is the appropriate size for the fireplace opening.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords in the place of additional outlets.
• Smokers should check furniture for fallen cigarettes or embers, which can smoulder undetected for hours before bursting into flames.
• Ensure careful use of smoking materials and extinguish in water before disposal.
• Never leave cigarettes in an ashtray unattended.
• Use ashtrays with a double rim and deep centre.
• Keep matches, lighters and lit candles out of the reach of children.
• Never leave lit candles unattended.

Bedroom

• Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area. For improved safety, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.
• Check electrical appliances regularly: electric blankets, heating pads, curling irons, radios, televisions, irons.
• Bedrooms should be non-smoking areas.

Basement and Attic

• Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the basement and attic.
• Store gasoline in well-ventilated areas.
• Do not store propane indoors.
• Use only approved containers to store and transport gasoline.
• Have a thorough yearly maintenance check of the furnace carried out by a professional.
• When replacing an old furnace, consult a professional to determine the most safe, economical and efficient system for your home.
• Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.

Garage and Workshop

• Flammable materials – thinners, gasoline, paints, industrial cleaners – should be stored neatly in approved containers and away from possible ignitable sources.
• Do not smoke, or leave matches or lighters in the garage or workshop.
• Install and know how to properly use the appropriate fire extinguisher for the garage/workshop.
• Keep the area clean. Remove garbage, paper products, oily rags and wood shavings regularly.