This week is FIRE PREVENTION WEEK.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace any batteries that need replacing.

But more than this, why not make up and/or review your Fire Evacuation Plan.  It was news to me when I read that thirty years ago, Canadian families were told that on average, they needed 17 minutes to evacuate a burning home and to plan an exit strategy based on that.

Today, Fire Prevention Canada is reporting that we have about three minutes to get out of their homes before potential toxic gases can reach fatal levels.  Synthetic materials such as siding, flooring, furniture are much more affordable, but also burn faster and are chemically "dirtier" than previously used natural counterparts.

Draw up a floor plan and make sure everyone in your home, toddlers and seniors included.  Make sure everyone knows how to open a bedroom window and escape and that every room has at least two escape routes and that everyone is aware of them.  Establish a meeting place outside.  Post the plan in a visible place and review the plan once or twice a year.

FYI, most home fires start in the kitchen, have appropriate fire extinguishers handy.