Make sure your hearth is healthy

Gas fireplaces • No glass, no gas: Do not use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked or broken. Glass panels and frame assemblies should be replaced only by a qualified service person. • Look for the certification Flame: When purchasing or installing a gas fireplace, check for the mark of an accredited certification organization such as the Flame mark from CSA International. This indicates the fireplace meets applicable national standards.

Smoke Alarms • Put them to the test: Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work. One smoke alarm is not enough. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Only working smoke alarms can give you the precious seconds you may need to escape a fire.

Carbon-monoxide alarms • Sleep tight: Install at least one carbon-monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms. Use more than one CO alarm if sleeping areas are located on different levels of your home. • Instrumental instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and maintaining your CO alarms. • Buy the Flame: When purchasing a CO alarm, check for the mark of an accredited certification organization such as the certification Flame and CSA 6.19-01 reference mark from CSA International.

Basement and garage • Store safely: Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline, propane, paper, chemicals, paint, rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace. Gasoline or propane cylinders must be stored outside the home. • Flame faux-pas: Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids in the vicinity of your gas furnace or water heater. • Look for the Flame: Look for the familiar CSA International certification Flame mark on your gasfired furnace or water heater to ensure it has been tested and certified to the applicable standard. Have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system.

CSA International

Certification Marks

You can learn more about CSA International certification marks online at www.csa-international.org/ certificationmarks.

Safety Online

The whole family can enjoy a fun and interactive Web site on holiday safety online at www.csaholiday.com. More general safety tips are available online at www.csa.ca/consumers/ consumersite.

- News Canada