If necessary, stovepipes must be completely dismantled for proper cleaning and inspection. Stovepipes can corrode and weaken after one or two heating seasons. At the same time, it is necessary to clean and carefully inspect the chimney and the heating unit.
There are chimney sweepers who can clean your chimney for you.
SMOKER'S ARTICLES
Although the number of smokers has decreased substantially during the last years, the fact remains that approximately one fire out of five originates from smokers’ articles.
Fires lit by children who play with matches or lighters represent the major cause of death for children aged six or younger.
How to prevent fires?
- Always store lighters and matches out of sight and out of reach of children.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Never leave a cigarette burning in an ashtray without surveillance.
- Use safe ashtrays with wide edges.
- Never set an ashtray on an unstable surface like an armchair.
- Never empty the contents of an ashtray in the garbage can.
- Never smoke when working with volatile liquids such as solvents or in a room where there are flammable products.
COOKING WITH OIL
Grease fires have caused considerable damage in our region in the past. It is our duty to inform you to be cautious when cooking with oil. There are very safe deep fryers on the market today. The use of a conventional cooking pot is to be banned for deep-frying. A deep fryer costs less than our possessions.
Most fire related deaths happen at night when people are sleeping. If there is a fire in your home, the toxic gases and smoke will rapidly numb your senses and prevent you from waking up.
Whatever the type of smoke detector you choose, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install, test, and maintain it.
MAINTAIN YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS.
Every month, test your smoke detectors by pressing on the test button for a few seconds. The alarm should sound at once.
If a smoke detector is not equipped with a testing button, it is probably an older model that should be replaced. Smoke detectors must be replaced at least every ten years.
Replace the battery of your smoke detector at least once a year and more often if required.
An excellent reminder: Change the hour - Change the battery!
Do not be a battery thief. Never remove the battery of a smoke detector to use it elsewhere.
If your smoke detector sounds off sporadically, it might need cleaning.
Clean your smoke detector at least twice a year. Remove the lid and wipe the smoke detector with a damp cloth. Gently vacuum the inside of the device. Replace the lid and test the smoke detector to ensure proper functioning. If it does not stop sounding off periodically, replace it.
BE CONDITIONED TO THE SOUND OF YOUR ALARM
The sound of your fire alarm can be very frightening and disorientating, especially if it sounds off in the middle of the night. Be ready. Prepare an evacuation plan and test it. Plan for at least two exits per room and designate a meeting place outside the house. Having fled the fire, do not return inside. Go to a neighbor and phone the fire department.
If you know how to react when the smoke detector sounds off, you can escape to safety with your family.
Installation of smoke detectors and trial runs of an evacuation plan can save the life of the members of your family.
