Six Fire Safety Habits for Your Home

by Susan Moffat

Protecting your home from fire starts with simple, consistent habits that reduce risk and keep your family safe. Below are six essential fire safety practices every homeowner in Grey County should adopt.

Test and Maintain Smoke & CO Alarms

Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside bedrooms where possible.
Test alarms monthly, replace batteries at least twice a year (or use 10-year sealed units), and replace the entire alarm every 10 years.
If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, CO alarms are now required on every storey and next to each sleeping area.
Why it matters: A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a home fire, and CO alarms protect against invisible, odourless carbon monoxide.

Cook Carefully (and Never Leave the Stove Unattended)

Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling.
Keep flammable items (towels, packaging, curtains) at least 3 feet from the stovetop
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires; never use water on a grease fire.
Turn pot handles inward and establish a “kid-free zone” of 3 feet around cooking areas.
Why it matters: Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in Ontario and across North America.

Give Heaters Space and Use Them Safely

Keep portable and space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn (furniture, bedding, curtains).
Plug heaters directly into wall outlets—no extension cords or power bars.
Turn off and unplug heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep; choose models with automatic tip-over shutoff.
Have furnaces, chimneys, and wood stoves inspected and cleaned annually by qualified technicians.
Why it matters: Heating equipment is a top cause of home fires, especially during Ontario’s long heating season.

Practice Smart Electrical and Appliance Habits

Replace frayed or damaged cords immediately; don’t run cords under rugs or through high-traffic areas.
Unplug small appliances (toasters, curling irons) when not in use.
Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords; use the correct wattage for lamps and fixtures.
Clean dryer lint traps after every load and have dryer vents professionally cleaned at least annually.
Why it matters: Electrical faults and dryer lint buildup are preventable causes of residential fires.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Map two ways out of every room (door and window), ensure windows open easily, and keep exits clear of clutter.
Choose a meeting place outside (e.g., mailbox, neighbour’s driveway) and practice your escape plan at least twice a year—once during the day and once at night.
Teach children “stop, drop, and roll” and to crawl low under smoke.
Close bedroom doors while sleeping. A closed door can slow smoke and heat, buying crucial escape time.
Why it matters: Fires can become life-threatening in under two minutes; a practiced plan helps everyone get out fast.

Handle Candles, Lighters, and Batteries Responsibly

Never leave candles burning unattended; keep them 12 inches away from anything flammable and use sturdy, non-combustible holders.
Store matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach; teach kids that they are tools, not toys.
Charge lithium-ion devices on hard surfaces, away from beds and exits; unplug once fully charged and avoid charging overnight on soft surfaces.
Consider flameless candles for ambiance without the flame risk.
Why it matters: Candles, smoking materials, and improperly charged batteries are common ignition sources for preventable home fires.

Final Thought for Grey County Homeowners

Fire safety isn’t about living in fear—it’s about building habits that protect what matters most. By adopting these six practices, you’ll significantly reduce your risk and be better prepared if the unexpected happens.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Grey Bruce, Ontario? As your REALTOR®, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality!

For more information, contact:

Susan Moffat, REALTOR® with Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage
519.377.5154
susan.moffat@c21.ca