FSS1 Preface

FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FOR THE HOUSE OWNER

PREFACE TO VOLUME 1

I have found that people are usually more concerned about security than they are about fire safety, yet fire can be much more devastating and life-threatening. In fact, an average of 75,000 fires are reported in Canada each year, resulting in 740 deaths, 5000 injuries and a property loss in the order of $758 million. By far the majority of injuries and deaths due to fire occur in residential properties. It seems that too many Canadians do not know how to react when confronted by a fire, nor are they aware of their ability to prevent them from happening.

In order to provide the best possible protection for my family and property against the menace of fire, I set about collecting information. I gathered brochures where I could, spent hours at the local library, talked to the Fire Prevention Office, walked around hardware and specialty stores to see what types of protection equipment was available, wrote to manufacturers of devices for information, contacted protection agencies and standards associations, etc. One thing was perfectly clear - the information I wanted could not be found in any one place. I decided to jot down all the relevant information I could, and make this available to households across Canada.

Please bear in mind that the information contained herein was obtained prior to 1987. However, most of the information will still be applicable. References to equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire alarms, may be outdated and I will endeavour to update these areas as and when time permits.

In an effort to acquire comments on this publication before release, it was brought to my attention that this booklet would probably only appeal to individuals already concerned about fire safety, and not to those homeowners that need it the most (ie. those that are generally indifferent to the fire problem and unwittingly live in fire "traps"). Unfortunately, this is probably true. However, it is my hope that those that do acquire a copy will lend it to friends and relatives that may not ordinarily go out of their way to obtain a copy. Fire frequently causes desolation and suffering to people that never thought it could happen to them. More often than not, the tragedy could have been prevented.

David J. Smith