Search

October is National Fire Prevention Month

October is National Fire Prevention Month

The importance of fire prevention is emphasized every year in Canada with Fire Prevention Month. This dedicated month is a reminder for us to be vigilant and protect ourselves, our homes, and our belongings against the devastating effects of fires.

Fire Prevention Month helps us all come together and raise awareness of home fire hazards and how to mitigate the risks.

Top 5 Fire Hazards in the Home and How to Prevent Them

1. Electrical Problems

Faulty wiring and malfunctioning appliances are some of the most common causes of house fires. To prevent these issues, make sure all electrical systems are up to code. Promptly investigate and repair signs of problems like flickering lights, sparks, outlets that get hot to the touch and outlets that stop working. Appliances that spark or give off smoke should be repaired or replaced.

2. Cooking Incidents

Kitchens have a high risk of fires because they include heat, open flames, and flammable materials. Reduce your risk of cooking-related fires by monitoring stovetops, keeping flammable objects like paper towels and cookbooks away from heat sources and keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Don’t forget to educate family members on the importance of fire safety and how to use the extinguisher.

3. Heating Appliances

You can’t do without a heat source during the harsh Ontario winter, but you can mitigate the fire risk it can pose. Get faulty furnaces fixed promptly and avoid using space heaters for general heating. If you must use a space heater, keep it a meter away from anything flammable, set it up on a sturdy surface so it won’t tip and avoid using extension cords.

4. Candles and Other Open Flames

Candles create a cozy atmosphere, but they are also a leading cause of house fires. Be sure to use a fireproof candle holder, keep lit candles away from curtains and other flammable and put candles out before leaving the room. Consider using flameless candles as a safer alternative.

5. Smoking

Even though fewer people smoke than in times past, cigarettes, cigars, and similar items are still significant causes of house fires. The safest solution is to avoid smoking in the house and use outdoor spaces like a back patio. The next-best solution is to keep plenty of large ashtrays handy and empty them frequently. 

What to Do if a Fire Starts in Your Home: Your Family Fire Safety Plan

No matter how careful you are, there is still a chance of a fire emergency. Having a fire safety plan in place can save your life and the lives of your family members. Here are a few key elements your plan should include:

1. Call 911 and remain calm.

The sooner a call is made to emergency services, the quicker help can arrive. 

2. Know your escape routes.

Identify pathways to escape from multiple rooms of a burning house, and practice leaving that way so they’re not too unfamiliar if an emergency happens. Also, designate a meeting place outdoors so that it’s easy to check if everyone has made it out.

3. Inspect your smoke alarms.

Install smoke alarms throughout your home and test them regularly. Test your smoke detector batteries twice a year. A good rule of thumb is to conduct a test every time the clocks move forward or back. 

4. Check all fire extinguishers.

Install fire extinguishers in key locations like the kitchen, hallways, and utility room. Teach everyone who is old enough to hold one so they can use it properly.

5. Teach “Stop, Drop, and Roll”.

This method is used to extinguish the flames quickly when your clothes are on fire. Teach it to the entire family because you never know if it will come in handy one day.

6. Stay Low in Smoke.

Heat and smoke both rise. By crawling along the floor in smoky areas, you reduce your risk of being overcome by smoke inhalation.

7. Close Doors.

Closing doors reduces air transfer between rooms, which slows the spread of fire. This can give you more time to escape.

8. Hold fire drills.

Fire drills aren’t just for school. By conducting drills at home, your entire family will stay familiar with the escape plan and procedures that should be used in case of a fire.

Protections in Your Home Insurance Policy if You Experience a Fire

Despite all precautions, house fires can still happen. It is essential to know and understand what protections your home insurance policy provides in case of a blaze. The most common types of coverage:

Dwelling Coverage – This pays for repairing or rebuilding the physical structure of your house.

Personal Property Coverage – Protects your belongings, such as clothes and electronics inside the house.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage – If your home is made uninhabitable by a fire, this coverage pays for temporary living expenses such as hotel costs and other rental expenses.

Liability Coverage – If a fire results in injury to someone else, this insurance can help cover medical or legal costs.

High-Value Item Coverage – If you own one or more items with a value exceeding what is covered by regular personal property coverage, make sure to add this coverage to your policy.

Get in Touch with an Insurance Broker

As Fire Prevention Month emphasizes the importance of physically protecting our homes and lives, it is also a reminder to make sure your home insurance policy is up to date.

Our team at Duliban Insurance will guide you through your home insurance policy and make sure you have the proper coverage in the event of a fire or other disasters. We are happy to help answer any of your questions. Contact us today! 

Sources:

https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/home-fires/home-fires-information-facts

https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/cleaning/top-10-causes-house-fires/

related blogs

Read related blogs

Our blog is packed with the tips and tricks you want to read, and deserve to know.

Pool Safety Tips for Your Family This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to relax by the pool and enjoy the sunshine with family and friends. As you

Pool Insurance: Decoding This Emerging Rental Trend

As summer approaches, many homeowners are looking for creative ways to make the most of their backyard oasis. One emerging

From Owning to Renting: 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Cottage’s Potential

Are you considering renting out your cottage this summer? Whether you can’t make it up as much as you planned

Your ultimate guide to hosting an airstream rental

Are you ready to share the joy of Airstream living with travelers from around the world? Whether you’re looking to

Making A Home Insurance Claim in Ontario: Here's What You Need To Know

Navigating home insurance claims can be a challenging process for many homeowners in Ontario. Understanding common mistakes and knowing how

Navigating Home Insurance For Rental Properties in Ontario

Renting a property, whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, comes with its own set of responsibilities – and uncertainties.

..... ..... .....
..... ..... .....
...... ......
Duliban Insurance Brokers in Ontario

About Us

History

Locations

Meet The Team

Resources

Our Insurers

Claims

Referral Program

Blog

Join The Team

Careers

Contact

Auto

Classic Car 

Electric Vehicle

High Risk 

Motocycle

Ride Sharing & Uber

Home

Condo

Airbnb

Cottage

Landlord

Tenant

Business

Small Business

Commercial Auto

Commercial Property

Contractor

Cyber

Liability

Farm

Recreation

RV

ATV & UTV

Slingshot

Snowmobile

Boat

Tractor Protect

Mich Stars

We have a 4.8 rating from over 600 reviews