Penelope Graham
29 Sept 20267 min read
Is your home properly protected from fire and electrical risk? Warning signs often aren’t obvious, until something actually goes wrong.
The good news is that you can stay on top of potential hazards with a few quick home safety checks. These do-it-yourself tasks take just minutes each month, and will make sure your smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors, fire extinguishers and electrical components are in good working order.
These checks are critical to catch any potential issues early – and they’ll help you and your home be better prepared in the case of an emergency.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are an important defense for your home’s safety, and there should be one installed on each storey. However, they need regular checks to make sure they’re operating properly. Keeping your alarms clean and in good working order can also cut down on so-called nuisance alarms, which can be triggered by low batteries or other types of blockages.
For most households, it’s best to test your smoke alarms monthly. It’s also worth giving them a look when:
You’ve just changed the battery
Your home just experienced a power outage
You’ve returned from travel
After any painting, heavy dusting, or remodelling, to ensure the intake isn’t clogged by buildup
For most smoke alarms, press and hold the TEST / SILENCE button, and listen for a test pattern; this will typically be a series of loud beeps. Once you release the button, the beeps should stop. Note that if you’ve got an interconnected alarm system, this test may cause all units to go off simultaneously.
If you have a unit with an audio voice feature, it should give you a status message on whether the alarm is working normally, or whether it needs attention.
If your alarm test doesn’t work, it’s often a sign that either the battery needs replacement, or the unit has reached the end of its life. To see if it’s the latter, check the device itself; every alarm has a manufacture date or expiry date on the back. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and CO alarms typically every seven to 10 years depending on the model, even if they still pass the test.
Otherwise, trouble shoot by confirming the power source is on, replace the battery, clean the unit, and then test it again. If it continues to fail the test, it’s probably time for a new smoke alarm.
Another common issue is an alarm that continues to chirp after the battery is changed. To assess this, make sure the unit’s battery drawer is properly closed and that the device is securely mounted into its wall or ceiling bracket. Persistent chirping may mean the unit needs a manual reset or cleaning; if none of these approaches work, it is also typically a sign that the unit needs to be replaced because it’s reached the end of its lifespan.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible threat; because it can’t be smelled or seen, having a working CO alarm is extremely important. Like smoke alarms, it’s good practice to test your CO detector monthly, if it’s not already combined with your smoke unit. It’s also good to test before and after the winter season, when the furnace and fuel systems have been in heavy use. The process to test a CO alarm is similar – press and hold the TEST button, and ensure you hear the alarm, or see an indicator light. Release the button and make sure the alarm stops, and the unit functions normally.
Debris such as pet hair, lint, and dust can build up in CO and smoke alarms. Giving your units a light vacuum monthly can help prevent them from malfunctioning due to clogs.
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a type of electrical safety outlet designed to cut off power instantly when water or ground faults are detected. They are mandatory in certain rooms by law in Canada under the Canadian Electrical Code. These include:
Kitchens: All countertop outlets within 1.5 metres of a sink must have GFCI protection.
Washrooms: All electrical outlets must have a GFCI.
Outside: Outlets within 2.5 metres of your home’s grading must have GFCI protection. This includes covered carports.
It’s important to note that GFCI outlet requirements have changed over time; while current code makes GFCI protection mandatory for the above locations for new wiring and renovations, older homes may not have them everywhere. It’s worth checking your home, and adding them wherever they may be missing.
Your GFCI can be tested using its built-in buttons. First, plug in something that will indicate whether it receives power, like a lamp. Turn it on and see whether it’s active. Press the TEST button on the outlet; the plugged-in device should immediately turn off. There will also be a clicking noise, and the RESET button will pop forward. If the device doesn’t turn off, it’s a sign that the GFCI outlet is broken and needs to be replaced, which requires an electrician. Otherwise, press the RESET button back in to return power back to the outlet.
When a GFCI outlet trips (loses power unexpectedly, with the RESET button pushed forward on its own), it’s a sign that there’s an imbalance in the system and that electricity is straying from its intended path. A GFCI that’s tripping constantly can be a sign of a larger issue such as a faulty appliance, ground fault, or damaged wiring. It’s worth bringing in a licensed electrician to investigate the cause of repeated trips.
Electrical cords with physical damage, such as cracks, fraying, and exposed wires, pose both a fire hazard and a risk for electric shock. It’s a good idea to routinely examine appliance and extension cords to make sure they’re in good shape. Any signs of damage or wear means the cord should be taken out of service immediately; never try to repair them on your own with tape. It’s also important to place cords safely around your house; never run them under carpet, and avoid tripping hazards by securing cords near doors.
Give it a physical check: First, make sure the cord is unplugged. Feel the length for any signs of damage like cuts, burns, or wear.
Look at the plug and prongs: Look for evidence of melting, cracks, or discolouration, which can be signs of electric arcing. Make sure the base of the plug where it connects to the cord is secure, with no signs of separation.
Examine grounding prongs: Make sure all prongs are unbent and show no signs of discolouration. If the device has a third ground pin, ensure it’s present and in good condition.
Double check the label: Confirm that the cord’s amperage and wattage capacity is suitable for what it’s being used for. Only outdoor-rated cords should be used outside.
An unusually warm electrical outlet can be a sign that there’s a wiring problem in the home. If you suspect an issue, it’s best to bring in a licensed electrician to assess.
You can further test with a plug-in receptacle tester; simply plug it into your outlet and check the lit indicator and reference the chart that comes with the device; this will show whether there’s a problem with your wiring, or whether it senses open grounds or reversed polarity. Again, reach out to an electrician if the receptacle shows any of these problems are present.
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Having a fire extinguisher ready in your kitchen or garage is an important precaution to head off small fires before they grow out of control. However, using a fire extinguisher doesn’t replace the need to call 911; always contact fire services in the case of any fire, even small ones that were successfully contained by an extinguisher. They can assess and confirm there isn’t additional damage or safety hazards as a result of the fire and smoke.
Fire extinguishers aren’t just “set and forget it” devices – they need regular checks to make sure they’re in good working order.
The two most important things to check for on your fire extinguisher are whether the pressure gauge is in the “ready” range, and that the pin and seal are intact. Look for the following:
That the pressure gauge needle is pointing inside the green range.
The pin is secure and the tamper seal isn’t broken.
Check the condition of the tank, making sure it’s not showing any signs of rust, cracks, or dents, and that the nozzle and hose are clean.
Lift the unit to see if it still feels full.
After you complete your inspection, write your initials and the date on the attached inspection tag.
To learn more about how to properly position and operate a fire extinguisher, check out the City of Toronto Fire Extinguishers Guide.
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Penelope Graham
Penelope is the Editor at Quartermaster. She has years of experience writing about Toronto’s unique housing and mortgage market, and is always chatting with Pros about their top tips for homeowner
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