Before a child stays overnight at another home, it is important to make sure the house is fire safe. Parents and caregivers should check that several safety measures are in place.

Check for alarms and exits

A safe home has the right equipment and clear paths to get outside quickly.

  • Smoke alarms: working smoke alarms must be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This is a legal requirement in Ontario.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms: working carbon monoxide alarms are legally required to be installed on every storey and outside all sleeping areas if the home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage, or is served by a forced-air fuel burning appliance not contained within the building.
  • Two ways out: all rooms should have 2 ways to exit, if possible, such as a door and a window.
  • Security bars: if there are bars on the windows, they must have a quick-release device on the inside. This allows someone to open them quickly without a key or tool.

Planning for an emergency

Knowing what to do before a fire happens is the best way to stay safe.

  • Review the home fire escape plan: the home should have a plan that shows 2 ways out of every room, if possible, and a meeting place outside, like a specific tree or mailbox.
  • Walk through the plan: a responsible adult in the home should walk through the escape plan with all the children so everyone knows exactly where to go if the alarm sounds.
  • Supervision: children must be supervised by a responsible adult throughout the stay.

Managing fire hazards

Keeping dangerous items out of sight helps prevent emergencies during a sleepover.

  • Matches and lighters: keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Candles and smoking: candles and smoking materials should be handled with caution and kept in a safe place.