Spring Forward ─ A Fire Safety Reminder

The first sign that spring is right around the corner in Ottawa is moving the clocks ahead one hour, and sadly losing one hour of sleep.

Health and safety agencies often use the approach of Daylight Saving Time to remind people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms. The Canadian Safety Council suggests you test your smoke alarms ones a year and change the battery every 6 months.

Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to check your emergency preparedness kit to make sure it’s fully stocked with enough supplies. If you are asked to evacuate your home or to temporarily shelter in a place inside your home for a period of time, prepare an emergency preparedness kit in an easy-to-carry bag or container and store it in an easily accessible location; such as a closet on the main floor. The recommended emergency preparedness kit should be able to keep you and your family self-sufficient for at least three days.

Educate the Children

Along with smoke alarm testing, this is the perfect time to talk with your family about a fire escape plan or review it if you already have one. Children should be taught to not be afraid of a fire alarm and the things they should do if they hear it. Being prepared in an emergency could mean the difference between life and death

Here are great tips to help educate your children:

• Have your children ‘help’ change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Explain to your children why it’s important that these batteries are changed regularly.
• Have them press the tester button so they are aware of the sound a fire alarm makes
• Have a conversation with your children about what they should do if they hear the fire alarm and practice your family’s escape route

Protect Your Belongings

This time of year is also a great time to review your home or renters insurance policy to make sure you’re properly covered in case of any accidents. Did you purchase a new 4k TV or upgrade your wife’s engagement ring this past year? You may need to increase or add in extra coverage to make sure they’re properly covered in case of fire or theft.

We can help. Contact one of our many knowledgeable brokers if you have any questions or concerns.