As smoke hangs in the air and forest fire season is in full swing we are mindful of safety. While it is important to be fire smart outside it is equally important to ensure that your home is fire safe.

Here are a few tips to protect your families lives and your home:

• Smoke Alarms Save Lives. It is important to put smoke alarms in the right places in your home. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas including the basement. If you have smoke alarms test every month and replace batteries as required. Replace any smoke alarms that is more than ten years old. It’s a good idea to put a reminder in your calendar.
• Purchase A Fire extinguisher. In the event of a small fire. Ensure it is. Service and recharge regularly and keep near escape routes
• Keep Matches & Lighters Out Of The Reach Of Children.
• Outdoor & Indoor Lights. Outdoor lights can be a beautiful summer feature for your patio or yard. Use only CSA approved lights.  Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
• Smoking Friends & Family. Provide large, deep outdoor ashtrays that will prevent the wind from carrying away a smoking cigarette.
• Extinguish Unattended Candles. Place in burn proof containers and keep out of the reach of pets and children

Time is of essence when it comes to fire safety. In just two short minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, an entire home can be engulfed in flames!

Create an evacuation plan and practice it with your family to avoid panic and confusion in the event of a fire.

Did you know that the RMWB has a home fire safety program? It begins this year in the Dickensfield neighbourhood in June. We encourage you to take advantage of this program and help keep your family safe.

Your family & Fort McMurray home matter to us. Be safe folks