With the first layer of snow now fallen in Inuvik, residents are moving into winter mode in the Beaufort Delta.

Colder temperatures mean people will be using their home heating appliances continually once again, and the Inuvik Fire Department is advising homeowners to do proactive maintenance on their equipment.

"With the cold weather, residents will be turning up boilers and using wood stoves more regularly; weSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™d encourage all homeowners to obtain annual preventative maintenance on their systems from a qualified contractor," said Inuvik Fire Chief Brian Larman. "These checks can include, but arenSA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½™t limited to chimney cleaning/inspections, furnace filter replacement and general inspection and cleaning of oil-fired and natural gas-fuelled heating appliances. As always, we encourage residents to regularly check their smoke and CO [carbon monoxide] alarms to ensure functionality and to verify that they are not expired.

"Homeowners can ensure that preventative maintenance is performed on all heating appliances at least seasonally, particularly wood-burning appliances. Verify that smoke/CO alarms are powered, functioning and within their expiration period. Ensure that fire extinguishers are charged, inspected and available to aid in emergency exit from your home."

Emergency preparedness is largely about logistics and Larman noted the best thing you can have is a plan. Knowing emergency numbers, having meeting spots and practising fire drills can all help minimize danger in the event of a fire.

Being fire smart by assessing potential hazards around the home can also help prevent a fire. Larman said people who rent their residence should alert their landlord of any safety issues and inform regulatory authorities, if necessary.

"Parents and kids can plan and practice their home exit plans, roommates can verify that common areas are fire safe and work with their landlords to ensure fire alarm systems are present and working properly," he said. "Tenants in multi-unit buildings can bring fire safety concerns to their landlords, the Office of the Fire Marshal and the NWT Rental Office."

Emergencies can happen fast, and first responders need to be able to move around unobstructed to do their jobs properly. Having clear driveways, sidewalks and doorways will ensure faster response in the event of a fire or other emergency, as well as assist in any escape from the building.

In some instances, having clear access routes may, in fact, be required by law.

"Ensuring access routes are regularly cleared of items and snow greatly assists with access for emergency personnel," said Larman. "This is particularly critical if a property has a fire hydrant behind it SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” property owners are responsible under our municipal bylaws to ensure that access routes are cleared and unobstructed."