Thursday, June 6, 2013

Protect your greatest assets! A reminder about fire safety



Earlier this week tragedy struck in Caledon when fire broke out around 6pm at a King Street bungalow, quickly engulfing the home in flames and causing an estimated $400,000 dollars worth of damage. Nobody was home at the time, and nobody was injured (thank God), but under different circumstances, this scenario could have been one hundred times worse. I love my job helping others to make some of the most emotionally valuable purchases they will ever make in their lives, so when I see headlines like these, it kills me to imagine my clients, friends or family ever losing all that’s been invested, because of something that could have easily been avoided.



National Fire Prevention Week may not take place until October, but I thought it would be a good idea to brush up on my knowledge of fire prevention and share with all of you some important tips that we should ALL take note of:

1) Don’t underestimate the importance of a smoke detector: By law, a working smoke detector should be installed on every level of a home, especially in areas where people sleep. Make a point of replacing the batteries in your smoke detector once per year and avoid forgetting by putting it in a calendar on the same day every year such as your birthday, or the date your insurance policy is up, as a reminder to take care of it ritually.

2) The majority of house fires start in the kitchen: Never leave an oven or stove on unattended. Always unplug small appliances that are not in use, and be mindful of older appliances with frayed cords. Keep your oven and stove clean. Built up grease and dirt can be highly flammable…speaking of grease fires, never throw water or flour on a grease fire, but rather smother the flames with a pot lid. Kitchen fires can spread quickly. If you are unsuccessful at putting out the fire, leave your home immediately and call 911.

3) Never overload electrical outlets: Don’t piggyback extension cords, and only buy electronics or appliances that are 100% approved for safety and sale in your region. There’s a handy tool on the Electrical Safety Authority’s website that provides information on product recalls as they pertain to fire safety. Check this list often to be sure that none of the electronics in your home are on this list.

4) If you are a smoker, avoid doing so in your home: If the effects of second-hand smoke aren’t enough of an incentive to not smoke in your home, consider this: Countless deadly house fires are started each year by lit cigarettes, people smoking in bed or while tired and dropping the ember on bedding, carpeting or other flammable fabrics and surfaces.

5) Fire drills aren’t just for school children: Plan two separate escape routes from your home in case of fire, be sure that every member of the family is aware of them, and review/ practice your plan regularly. If tragedy were to strike, the most important thing is getting everybody out safely and quickly.

The majority of fires are preventable. Be responsible when it comes to fire safety in your home and teach your children its importance from an early age. One of the founding fathers of electricity, Benjamin Franklin, put it best when he said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Make fire prevention a priority, don’t be a victim.


Stuart Sinclair
Sales Representative
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently owned and operated
Office: (905) 857-7653
Toll Free: (866) 219-7770
Email: info@thestuartsinclairteam.com

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