How to Make Your Home Fire-Safe  

Here are a few basic tips for making your home fire-safe.

Your best protection against fire is always prevention. Although fire department officials inspect on demand the households in Saint-Lazare, you should still try to make your own home as safe as possible. After all, you’re in the best position to reduce the risk of fire and help protect your loved ones and property.

Smoke detectors:
A smoke detector is like a watchdog that can warn you when a fire breaks out by sniffing the presence of smoke.

·	The municipal By-Law requires every inhabited floor of each home to have at least one smoke detector on each floor.
·	Check each smoke detector every month by pressing the test button and holding it down for a few seconds.
·	Replace the battery in every smoke detector twice a year (with each time change).
·	Clean each smoke detector with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner at least once a year.
·	Never remove the battery from a smoke detector that goes off too often -- instead, air out the room or move the smoke detector to another location.
·	Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.

Portable extinguishers:
Portable extinguishers are designed to put out a fire when it breaks out.

·	Always install extinguishers where they are easy to see and reach.
·	Check the pressure-gauge reading every month.
·	During a fire-safety inspection, don't hesitate to ask the fire fighters for advice on how to use your portable extinguisher.

Fire exits:
The fire exits in your home must always be kept clear of any obstruction such as boots, garbage bags, blue bins, or snow.

Propane tanks:
Propane tanks should never be stored or used inside a building. They must always be kept outdoors at least one meter from any door or window.

Hazardous materials:
Paint, varnish, solvent and other hazardous materials should be stocked in small quantities in their original containers and stored in a safe place far away from any source of heat.

Electricity:
Extension cords should only be used as a temporary measure. Keep inflammable objects, away from baseboard heaters.

Have your fuse box inspected if:

·	The box feels unusually warm;
·	Fuses pop for no apparent reason;
·	The lights in your home flicker.
·	N.B.: Fuses must always be screwed in tightly.
·	Portable electric heaters are designed solely for temporary use and must never serve as a substitute for built-in heating.

Kitchen:
Most domestic fires start in the kitchen.
If you want to fry food and don't have an electrical fryer, here are a few safety tips:

·	Use a pan with high sides to prevent spills.
·	Never move a frying pan that has caught on fire.
·	Always keep the right-size lid within reach so that you can quickly smother a fire simply by putting the lid on the pan.
·	Immediately after placing the lid on the flaming pan, turn off the stove burner.
·	If that doesn't work, promptly call the fire department by dialing 911.

Fire hazards:

·	Candles, matches and lighters are not toys: always keep them out of children's reach.
·	Fondue burners and food warmers with a live flame must always be handled with care. Before filling them with alcohol or any other fuel, make sure the container is cold and fill it in a safe place.
·	Never smoke in bed or when you feel drowsy.

Handicapped persons, change of address or bedroom location:
If you or someone in your household is handicapped, be sure to notify the Saint-Lazare fire department immediately to have your name or theirs added to the list of persons with impaired mobility. You should also take care of notifying the fire department should this person change address or bedroom location within the place of residence. .