During these sub-zero temperatures that we are experiencing, often times we hear of fires in homes claiming the lives of neighbors and loved ones.
Have you considered fire safety in your home?
Most times fires are caused by careless and neglectful behavior.

Here are simple steps and guidelines to follow to better protect your house and family from fire.
Smoke alarms are of vital importance, it can save lives but when the batteries are dead, we have a tendency to ignore them thus eliminating their usefulness.
When your smoke alarms peeps, it’s a warning that it’s time to change the batteries and should be attended to immediately.  Some tend to ignore the sounds of a malfunctioning alarm, or even slip the batteries out to stop the annoying noises.  When your smoke alarm makes that annoying noise it’s a warning not to be ignore.  Lives are at stake.
Do install smoke alarms on every level of your home, the top of the stairs, hallways, in bedrooms, as well as the basement.  Smoke alarms should be checked every month to ensure the functionality of the device.   If the unit is battery operated, the batteries should be changed every six months. A good way to remember to change the batteries of your smoke alarms is between daylight saving time and standard time.
Here are some safety measures given by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:
•    Always keep fire extinguishers handy and charged.
•     Smoking should be totally prohibited in the home.
•    Be sure that all appliances are turned off before leaving home.
•    Be sure that all electrically outlets are securely covered and safe for use.
•    Keep appliances in good working condition and replace or repair damaged plugs or cords.
•    Keep the area under stairways clear of stored materials. If a fire starts in a stairway it spreads quickly and could destroy your way out of the building.
•    Be sure to clean chimneys and stovepipes at least once a year.
•    Keep areas around cooking and heating equipment clean and free from combustible materials.
•    Remove curtains from windows close to the stove.  Blowing curtains on an open window can easily catch on fire.
•     Store paint, gasoline and other liquids that can burn or explode in safety containers, outside and away from the house.
•    Sit down with your family and work out ways to get out of the house and where to meet.  Review and practice the plan twice a year.
•    Keep all pathways and areas around outside doors clear so that you can escape quickly.
•    Make sure that all windows can be opened easily so they can be used to escape and
•    Be sure that your electrical panel is up-to-date and adequate for the appliances that are being used in the home.
For all your Real Estate Needs, I am your Realtor at (514) 947-8240