Frightening fire facts.

Frightening fire facts Common fire hazards still present in Canadian homes.

Fire is fast. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can burn out of control and turn into a major fire. Thick, black smoke can fill a house in minutes.

Fire is hot. Its heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 38°C (100°F) at floor level and rise to 316°C (600°F) at eye level. Inhaling this super-heated air will scorch your lungs.

Fire is dark. It starts bright, but quickly produces smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, disoriented, confused and unable to find your way around the home you have known for years.

Fire is poisonous. Contrary to popular belief, smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire needs oxygen to burn, just as you need it to breathe. As fire uses up your oxygen, it produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.

Common fire hazards still present in Canadian homes

28 per cent do not have a fire extinguisher.

12 per cent have not cleaned their fireplace chimney.

13 per cent have left too many appliances plugged into one wall outlet.

5 per cent have left a burning cigarette unattended.

5 per cent have caught their children playing with matches or lighters.

Source: A national study commissioned by Duracell and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

Fire safety checklist

Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, including the basement.

Test and vacuum your smoke alarms once a month-dust and cobwebs can impair sensitivity.

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms once a year. Depend on high quality Energizer brand batteries.

Check flashlight batteries. Always keep a working flashlight near your bed, in the kitchen, basement, and family room-in the event of a fire, use a flashlight to signal for help.

Install fire extinguishers. Be sure to install a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen and know how to use it. The Fire Marshall's Public Safety Council recommends a multi- or all-purpose fire extinguisher that's listed by an accredited testing laboratory.

Make sure your children know and understand fire safety. Children are at double the risk of dying in a home fire, because they often become scared and confused during fires. Show your children where smoke alarms are located. Make sure they recognize the smoke alarm's sound and understand that a sounding smoke alarm signals a home fire.

Plan and practice your escape routes. Identify at least two different escape routes and practice them with the entire family.

When you set your clocks back one hour on October 30, remember to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, too! A message from Energizer and the Fire Marshall's Public Safety Council. For more information please visit www.firesafetycouncil.com