Identify possible hazards in your home

Anything in your house that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire during an emergency is a home hazard.

At least once each year, inspect your home to find these possible hazards, and remove or fix them.

You should:

• Check for electrical hazards, such as frayed extension cords or exposed wiring
• Check for dangerous chemicals stored indoors, near heat sources, or on high shelves where they could fall over
• Check for fire hazards, such as rags stored near electrical equipment, or portable heaters placed near furniture
• Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home
• Keep at least one “A-B-C type” fire extinguisher, and check expiry dates
• Secure your water heater, large appliances, bookcases, other tall or heavy furniture, shelves, mirrors, and pictures to wall studs
• Add a flexible gas supply line to your water heater
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves
• Learn the location of your main electric fuse or circuit breaker box, water service shut-off, and natural gas main shut-off
• Contact your local utility companies for instructions on how to turn the utilities off, then teach your family how and when to turn them off