Fire/Smoke Safety Tips

• Be sure to have one 24/7 monitored smoke alarm on every level of your home
• Smoke alarms should be installed outside all sleeping areas
• Test smoke alarms once a month (try using a broom handle to test smoke alarms)
• If smoke alarm is not externally monitored change batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year
• Have working lights outside the front and back entrances of your home
• Have an escape plan with 2 ways out of every room
• If you live in an apartment building, count the number of doorways between your apartment and the two nearest exits (you may need to escape in the dark)
• Know how to unlock doors and windows, any security barred window should be equipped with quick-release devices
• If you are trapped, close doors between you and the smoke, stuff rags or towels in the cracks around the doors to keep the smoke out. Wait at a window and signal the firefighters by waving a light colored cloth, turning the lights in your home or a flashlight on and off
• Practice your home escape plan
• Crawl low under smoke
• Keep stove surfaces free of clutter and grease build up
• Never leave cooking unattended
• Set a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off burners and the oven
• Wear clothes with tight fitting sleeves
• If your clothes are on fire: Stop Drop and Roll
• Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays and empty them by wetting the contents before dumping
• Never smoke in bed or while drinking alcohol
• Oxygen used at home improperly can cause fires
• Keep oxygen containers upright and at least 10 feet away from heat and open flames
• Be familiar with Emergency Services available through dialing 911 such as: Barrie Police Service, Barrie Fire Department, Hazardous Materials Spills and Emergency Medical Services.