COQUITLAM, B.C., March 28, 2023 – Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is reminding residents of the important steps they can take to prevent household fires, damage and, most importantly, injury or death.
Having a fire escape plan and a working smoke detector, and following the tips below can reduce the risk of fire in your home.
Fire Safety Tips for the Home
- Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the home, with heating devices, electrical, smoking and candles among the top five causes.
- Never leave your cooking unattended including a barbecue.
- Keep all home heating appliances, like furnaces, gas fireplaces, chimneys, space heaters, etc., in good working condition.
- Plug devices directly in to the outlet and not an extension cord, placing them at least 1 metre away from flammable materials and turning them off while sleeping or when you leave your home.
- Do not overload your home's electrical circuits, check all electrical cords and discard any that are frayed or damaged. Extension cords and power bars should be used cautiously and only if necessary.
- Choose battery-operated, flameless candles as an alternative to live flame candles.
- Smoke outside and extinguish any lit matter in a designated ashtray or water, never in garden soil or plant containers.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Working smoke alarms in the home reduce the risk of dying in a house fire by 50%. Every home is required to have working smoke alarms installed on each level of the residence and on the ceiling outside of sleeping areas.
Test your smoke alarms monthly, and replace their batteries twice a year. When you change any clocks for standard and daylight savings time, consider checking your batteries at that time. If your smoke alarm is older than 10 years, it is time to replace it.
Fire Escape Plan for all Residents
If a fire breaks out in your home and the smoke alarm sounds, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely. Make a home fire escape plan that all residents in the household are aware of, including children, and practice it twice a year.
- Have two ways out of each room, and keep aisles and halls clear so that everyone can get out in an emergency.
- Decide on an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the home where all household members will go in case of a fire.
- Ensure your escape plan is accessible, both at night and during daylight hours, for all residents including those with mobility issues.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case no one is able to assist them.
- Talk to children about the importance of smoke alarms, and what to do if they hear one. Ensure children in the household know what the smoke alarm sounds like.
- Teach your children how to call 911 for emergencies, and ensure they know their home address so they can get help if they need it.
Residents should take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire. Please visit www.coquitlam.ca/seasonalsafety for more information.
Always report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 911 immediately.
About Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s mission is to provide a range of emergency responses, fire protection and educational programs designed to protect lives and property from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by people or nature.
Learn more about Coquitlam Fire/Rescue at www.coquitlam.ca/firerescue.
Media contact:
Denise Ziebart
Fire Inspector
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
604-927-6400
firerescue@coquitlam.ca