Here is a list of precautions to take into account to avoid any risk of fire in the house

IN THE KITCHEN

• Don’t do two things at once when cooking. The computer, for example, can make us forget what is on the stove. One trick is to start a timer on your cell phone.
• Do not leave anything on the stove that is not currently being used for cooking. It can happen that you accidentally turn on the wrong element. The same goes for anything hanging to dry that might fall onto the element.
• Unplug all appliances when not in use.
• When deep-frying, use a deep fat fryer with a thermostat, which is designed to prevent oil from catching fire.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher nearby in case of grease fires.

OTHER ROOMS

• Make sure you have a fire screen in front of the fireplace to contain coals or flying sparks that can easily ignite rugs or furniture.
• Don’t use extension cords in place of permanent wiring. Make sure you have enough electrical outlets to power your appliances.
• Watch out for cigarettes that remain lit! Use large, deep ashtrays and place the butts in a metal container.
• Remove all flammable liquids from the house. 
• Once a year, have a certified professional check your furnace. The chimney and flue connections should also be checked for leaks.
• You should NEVER use oversized fuses for convenience or to prevent the fuses from jumping. If a fuse jumps or a circuit breaker cuts the power frequently, your electrical circuit may be overloaded. Have an electrician check it and repair it if necessary.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• You must have at least one smoke detector per floor.
• There need to be two ways out of every room and everyone needs to know how to get out. A window can be used as an exit. Make sure storm windows and screens can be easily removed from the inside if you need to escape a fire.
• A collapsible escape ladder may be required in multi-story buildings. In an emergency, adults can lower children through second floor windows.
• Do not risk serious injury to yourself by jumping out of a window in a moment of panic:
  • Stay in the room, keep the door closed and barely open a window.
  • Hang a sheet by the window to signal your presence to the rescue team.
  • Sit on the floor so you don’t breathe the smoke.
• A hot door is a warning. Check the door before opening it and watch carefully for smoke entering the room.
• Keep basement, kitchen and bedroom doors closed overnight in case of fire.
• Never go back into a burning building!

Jackie Beaudoin, Leclerc Insurance and Financial Services
Source :  Nouveau-Brunswick