The Intact Insurance Home Safety Program is an evolution of the highly successful life-saving Residential Smoke Detector Program implemented in 1996. The intent to reduce all safety hazards in the home is a natural step forward for the Calgary Fire Department (CFD). It is important to do whatever we can to increase citizens' safety, whether that means educating citizens about fire and other hazards, or by providing an advance warning system that could be a lifesaver.
The Home Safety Program places a heavy emphasis on fire safety, but takes an "all-hazards" approach to safety in the home. Starting in May and running right through to the end of October, fire crews will be knocking on doors to discuss safety in the home with residents. This entire program is made possible by the generous support and collaborative efforts of our community partners and Calgary firefighters.
The information provided by Calgary firefighters allows you and your family to use the self guided 
home fire safety checklist to do a fire safety inspection and correct any problems you discover. The inspection takes about 20 minutes. As you go from room to room, answer yes or no to the questions listed below. For any questions that receive a no answer, take immediate steps to improve those areas. Kids, ask an adult to help!
Hunting for home hazards
- Are adults present in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?
- Are cooking areas free of materials that could catch fire?
- Are pot handles turned towards the back of the stove?
- Is there a "kid-free" zone of one metre (three feet) around the stove when adults are cooking?
- Are portable space heaters located away from combustible materials, never left unattended and turned off when going to bed?
- Has your family's heating equipment - chimneys, fireplaces, wood stoves or furnaces - been inspected by a professional this year?
- Are candles always blown out when adults leave the room or go to bed?
- Are candles placed in holders that won't tip over easily and are big enough to catch dripping wax safely?
- Are matches and lighters kept in a locked cabinet out of children's sight and reach?
- Are electrical cords in good condition without cracks or frayed areas?
- Are flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene or propane stored in safe containers outside the home in a properly ventilated shed?
- If there are smokers in your home, do they douse all butts and ashes with water before throwing them into a non-combustible container?
- Does your family have a home fire escape plan that includes two exits (usually a door and a window) out of each room especially sleeping areas?
- Are exits in your home kept free of toys, furniture and clutter?
- If there are infants or other family members with limited mobility, assign a family member to assist them in the event of a fire.
- Does your family practice the escape plan twice a year? Why not practice it tonight? Practice at different times as reactions will differ depending on time of day or night.
- Has your family picked a safe place to meet outside after you leave your home?
- Does everyone in your family know the fire department emergency number to call once you're safely outside?
- Is your house number clearly visible from the street and back alley? Numbers should be a contrasting color to the building structure (light vs. dark).
Smoke Alarms
- Do you have one smoke alarm on every level of your home?
- Are alarms checked once per month to ensure they are working?
- Have you changed your batteries at least once this year?
- Have you replaced alarms that are 10 years of age or older?
