Working from home safely

The festive season is over and you may be going back to work at an at-home office. To help keep your workspace safe, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service has some fire prevention tips to keep in mind. 

The first tip is around electronic devices – from computers and printers, to charging devices and lamps, your office likely has many devices that need to be plugged in at once. Remember to use a certified power bar and do not put too many plugs into one outlet, which can overwhelm the outlet. Another important reminder: do not use extension cords as permanent wiring, and do not run cords under rugs or floors as this can heat up the wires. 

If using a fireplace to warm your home this winter, never burn papers, file folders, boxes, cartons or other types of packaging. They burn rapidly and generate a lot of heat. If lighting candles, always use non-flammable candle holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down, away from papers, folders and napkins – this can be a fire hazard. Never leave candles in a room unattended and be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Even better, use flameless candles. 

It’s break time! Remember these cooking safety tips when making lunch or an afternoon snack:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Turn off the stove if you must step away and remove all items from the stovetop when cooking is done.
• Avoid distractions, such as non-urgent emails, and focus on the task in front of you.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking as it can catch on fire.
• Keep flammable items – oven mitts, cooking utensils, dish cloths, paper towels and potholders – a safe distance from the stove.
• Keep young kids away from the stove and turn pot handles away from the stove's edge to avoid them being accidentally knocked off.
• Ensure a proper-fitting pot lid is nearby to smother flames in the event of a fire.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Have a working smoke alarm and a home escape plan just in case an incident occurs.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. 

For more information and at-home fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire. 

-30-​