Fire Safety Tips You Should Know
Every October, Fire Prevention Month reminds homeowners across Ontario to take small but crucial steps to protect what matters most—their families. Fires can ignite unexpectedly and spread in minutes, but with regular maintenance, awareness, and preparation, you can significantly reduce the risk.
Simple Steps That Save Lives
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every floor once a month.
- Create and practice your family’s fire escape plan twice a year.
- Keep fire extinguishers in key spots and know how to use them.
- Stay attentive while cooking—most home fires start in the kitchen.
- Use heaters, fireplaces, and candles safely.
- Set aside time each October to review your fire safety routine.
Smoke and CO Alarms: Your First Line of Defence
Working alarms save lives. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and place CO alarms close to bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances. Test them monthly, change batteries annually, and replace units every 10 years.
Interconnected or monitored systems offer the strongest protection—when one alarm activates, they all do.
Tip: The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) recommends checking alarm expiry dates every October and replacing any that are 10 years old or older.
Make and Practice a Family Escape Plan
If a fire starts, seconds count. Create a map of your home that includes two exits from each room and identify a safe meeting spot outside—like a neighbour’s driveway or a tree across the street. Practice fire drills twice a year, once in daylight and once after dark, so everyone knows exactly what to do.
Be Prepared for Small Fires
Fire extinguishers can stop small fires from becoming disasters. Keep one in the kitchen, one in the garage, and another near heating equipment. Learn the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—and have extinguishers inspected once a year.
Remember: If a fire is larger than a small wastebasket, get out immediately and call 911. Property can be replaced—people cannot.
Kitchen Safety: The #1 Source of Home Fires
Most house fires start in the kitchen. Stay nearby when cooking, especially when frying or broiling. Keep dish towels, paper, and curtains away from burners, and clean grease often. If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never use water on grease fires.
Seasonal Fire Risks
As cooler weather returns, space heaters and fireplaces become popular—but they also increase fire hazards. Maintain a one-metre (three-foot) safety zone around heaters, turn them off before bed, and schedule annual chimney cleanings.
When using candles, place them in sturdy holders away from flammable objects, and always extinguish them before leaving a room. For a safer glow, try flameless LED candles.
Charging and Storing Lithium-Ion Batteries
From cordless tools to e-bikes and smartphones, lithium-ion batteries are everywhere. When damaged or improperly charged, however, they can ignite quickly.
Follow these safety tips from the Ontario Fire Marshal:
- Use only the charger that came with the device or one approved by the manufacturer.
- Avoid charging on beds, couches, or carpets that trap heat.
- Charge during waking hours so you can respond to overheating.
- Store batteries in a cool, dry area away from sunlight and flammable materials.
- Check for bulging or leaks and recycle damaged batteries safely—never throw them in household garbage.
Tip: The 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how to buy, charge, and recycle these batteries safely to prevent fires and keep homes protected. Download the guide here.
Electrical and Storage Safety
Don’t overload outlets or plug multiple extension cords together. Replace damaged cords immediately and call a licensed electrician for repairs. Store gasoline, propane, paint, and other flammable liquids outdoors or in ventilated areas—never near furnaces or water heaters.
Stay FireSmart Outdoors
Remove dry leaves and debris from around your home, especially near decks, vents, and eaves. Stack firewood at least 10 metres away and trim back low-hanging branches to prevent ground fires from spreading upward.
Stay Protected All Year
Fire prevention isn’t just a seasonal task—it’s an everyday commitment. Testing alarms, practicing escape routes, and staying alert while cooking are small actions that save lives.
This Fire Prevention Month, make safety part of your family routine—and consider upgrading to a monitored smoke and CO detection system from Security ONE. With 24/7 professional monitoring, you’ll know help is on the way even when you’re not home.
📞 Call 1-800-265-5317 to schedule your home safety review today.
