Practising whole home safety includes having proper protection against the threat of smoke, fire and carbon monoxide (CO). However, just over one in three Canadian residents who experienced a residential fire had a working smoke alarm in their home, according to Statistics Canada.

First Alert, a fire safety brand, shares the following safety tips to help you protect the moments that matter most with your family:

  1. Prepare a home emergency kit
    Being prepared in case of an emergency includes having an emergency kit on hand. In addition to basic necessities such as a first-aid kit, water, a flashlight and medical supplies, make sure your kit includes batteries, a multi-tool, blankets and non-perishable food.
  2. Install and maintain your alarms
    Proper smoke and CO alarm maintenance and replacement are essential to help keep your home and family protected. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and in every bedroom.
    Test your alarms regularly by pressing the test button and waiting for the alarm to sound. Replace the batteries at least every six months, or make maintenance easier with a two-in-one smoke and CO alarm such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Combination Alarm, which means you don’t have to replace the batteries or deal with late-night chirps for a decade.
  3. Equip your home with fire extinguishers
    Beyond smoke and CO alarms, having fire extinguishers is an important element of home safety. Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, as well as in common spaces like the kitchen and garage. When selecting a fire extinguisher, look for devices designed to combat common household fires caused by wood products, grease and electricity.
  4. Create and practise a home escape plan
    In the event of a home emergency like a fire, it’s important to have a home escape plan. Together with your family, identify two exits out of every room and designate a meeting spot outside of your home. Practise your plan at least twice a year to help ensure every family member remembers what to do.