Fire safety: test your knowledge

How would you react if a fire broke out in your home? Are you well prepared to act fast? To find out if you could better protect your loved ones and belongings, test your fire safety smarts with this short quiz.

True or false?

1. A smoke detector should ideally be replaced every 15 years.

False. Smoke detectors generally have a 10-year lifespan.

2. The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.

True

3. The majority of fire-related deaths occur at night.

True. Hence, the importance of having several functioning alarms in the home.

4. Smoke takes at least five minutes to spread throughout a home.

False. Smoke can spread throughout the home in only three minutes. Make sure to have an evacuation plan in place, and practice it.

5. One smoke alarm in the home is sufficient to warn occupants of a potential fire.

False. It’s recommended to install at least one smoke detector on each floor of the home, including the basement.

6. The best way to put out a cooking fire is with water.

6. False. Never try to put out a kitchen fire with water. Instead, smother the flames by placing a lid over the burning pot or pan.

7. Candles left unattended, placed too close to a flammable object or left within a child’s reach are a major cause of house fires. True

8. Portable fire extinguishers are only effective against small, recently started fires.

True. Portable fire extinguishers should only be used if the room isn’t already filled with smoke and if you’re still safe from harm.