Take note of the basic precautions below so you can help stop a fire before it starts.
Cooking
Never leave the stove unattended while cooking.
Do not allow pot handles to hang over the edge of the stove and keep them well out of reach of children.
Wear short sleeves when preparing meals.
When frying, use a Canadian Standard Association (CSA)-certified appliance with a thermostat and always follow the manufacturer’s safety guide.
If there’s a cooking fire, leave the pot or skillet where it is, place a lid over it and turn the stove off. Never pour water onto it – especially if it’s an oil-based fire.
Barbecue
Place your barbecue at least 60cm away from doors and windows.
– Always place coal-burning barbecues on a nonflammable surface and at least one metre away from flammable materials.
Always light your barbecue with the cover open.
Turn the gas bottle off before turning the barbecue off. This gives the gas a chance to vent from the pipes.
Wood stoves
Ashes can stay hot for hours or even days. Dispose of them in a lidded metal container outside and away from combustible materials and buildings.
Ethanol fireplaces
Only use a fireplace certified by a Standards Council of Canada accredited organization.
Never add ethanol to your fireplace while it’s burning – it’s extremely volatile. Wait at least 15 minutes for it to cool down instead.
When re-filling your fireplace, only use the quantity of ethanol indicated in the instructions.
Don’t light your fireplace if there’s any ethanol outside the tank or along the edges.
Portable space heaters
Keep your heater at least three feet (one metre) away from anything flammable.
Choose a heater with a proper thermostat, overheat protection and auto shut-off in case it tips over.
Plug your heater directly into the wall outlet – never use an extension cord.
Dryers
Remove any lint or residue around the filter before and after each use.
Turn the dryer off before you leave the house or go to bed.
Extension cords
Inspect cords to ensure they are not frayed, cracked or damaged.
Don’t place cords in high traffic areas, under carpets or across doorways where they can be easily damaged.
Avoid wrapping electric cords while they are plugged in – the heat released can damage the protective cover and cause an electrical arc that can set fire to nearby flammable materials.
Electrical panel
Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage.
If you have plug-type fuses, check them periodically to ensure they are snug.
Candles
Never walk around with a lit candle.
Always place candles on a stable surface and use non-flammable holders.
Keep flames away from flammable materials like curtains and clothing.
Smoking
Never smoke in bed or leave a burning cigarette unattended.
Always place ashtrays on a stable surface.
Douse your ashtray contents with a small drop of water and allow them to cool down completely before disposal.
In addition to installing smoke alarms, following the precautionary steps outlined above can not only help keep you, your belongings and your home safe – it could also keep your premium from increasing.
Submitted by Steve Lund, Desjardins Insurance Agent
