An Ounce of Prevention - Keep Your Regina Home Safe From Fire

As colder weather is coming to Regina, we spend more time indoors and many of us use fireplaces to keep our homes warm. With this season, comes an increased threat to the possibility of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow these tips to prevent disaster and keep your family safe.

• Hunt for hazards. Prevention goes a long way - look around your home for hazards and remove them. Consider moving combustible chemicals outside, like paint thinner or gasoline, if you store them indoors. Or use a metal cupboard in the garage. Make sure there is nothing flammable near your furnace, fireplace, or barbecue that could catch fire.

• Get your fuel-burning appliances checked and cleaned. Every year, be sure to have your furnace, hot water heater, and fireplace/wood-stove professionally serviced.

• Never leave candles unattended and be sure to keep them clear of flammable materials, like curtains.

• Check to make sure you turn off your stove top, oven, and barbecue after use. Keep cooktops clear and do not wear loose fitting clothing around stoves, as they can easily catch fire.
• Make sure your home has operational smoke detectors - all homes built after 1997 are required to have them hardwired into the electrical system. Each level needs to have at least one smoke detector, and adding one for every sleeping area is a good idea. Also, be sure the batteries are good by testing the detectors monthly.
• Ensure that you have fire extinguishers that are all-purpose rated on hand, and you know how to use them. Put one in every vulnerable room, like the kitchen, garage, and workshop, and store them upright in a place where they won’t freeze.
• Develop an evacuation plan and discuss it with your family. In the unfortunate event that your home is affected by fire, you’ll want to be prepared. Put together a supply kit that will get you and your family through the first 72 hours of an emergency, and talk about the best ways to get out of your home, including a meeting spot once you’re out.

Find more information about emergency preparedness at www.redcross.ca and www.getprepared.ca.

If you’re in the market to buy or sell your Regina home, give me, Clair Whittington, a call. As your local Regina real estate professional, I have expertise in Albert Park and Grand Coulee. I’d love to help you find the perfect home for you and your family!