How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

The National Fire Protection Association and insulation company, Roxul Inc., are spreading the word to Canadians from coast to coast about the importance of fire preparedness, as October marks the height of fire prevention awareness efforts across North America.

Here are some measures you can take to dramatically reduce your risk:

• Be sure to have a smoke alarm on every storey of your home and outside sleeping areas. • Develop a fire escape plan and practise it. • Use non-combustible materials when renovating. The choice of insulation can make big difference.

Opt for a product with the highest fire resistance possible, like Roxul stone wool insulation, which, in the event of a fire, will not produce harmful gases, toxic smoke or promote the spread of flames.

• Purchase a multi-use fire ladder for each bedroom in your home and practise using it.

• Place fire extinguishers within reach throughout your home.

• In the event of a fire, leave through the closest exist, do not stop to collect belongings and never re-enter a home once safely outside.

Additional fire safety tips are available at nfpa.org, firesafetycouncil.com; cafc.ca and fiprecan.ca.

You can also improve your fire safety knowledge, with a contest incentive, by visiting roxul.com.