Fire Prevention

Fire can break out at any moment.  Taking necessary fire prevention steps is key to minimizing risk and damage.

Most people are aware of the basics of home fire safety.  Functioning smoke alarms, cooking unattended and easy access to a fire extinguisher are all very important points.  Here are some lesser known but equally as important safety tips.

• Remove lint from your dryer after every use.  On top of reduced efficiency, a clogged lint filter and trap also reduces air flow required to prevent heat buildup in the vents.  It also forces lint onto the heating coils, greatly increasing the risk of fire.  Moreover, never let your dryer run when no one is home, nor when sleeping.
• Keep cooking oil containers away from the stove.  Never leave the stove unattended.  Grease fires are best stopped by:
  1. Turning off the burner
  2. Place a lid on the pan to suffocate the flames.
  3. Or pour Baking Soda.
  4. Or use a fire extinguisher
• Never pour water on a grease fire.  Water splatters the grease and makes the fire even bigger.
• Properly extinguish smoking materials.  Smoking materials that are not properly extinguished can smolder undetected for days before igniting a fire.  Never discard smoking materials on the ground or in plant pots.
• Regularly service your heating system by a professional.  Ignition sources such as chimneys from wood-burning stoves/fireplaces or furnaces and ducts should be kept clean in and around.  Keep flammable materials away from ignition sources.
• Keep firewood, leaf piles and garbage away from the home.  These can act as kindling and easily ignite.  Also, never dump hot ashes inside or near your home; store them in a metal container away from the structure.
• Avoid using power extension cords or power bars.  They can easily and quickly overload an electrical circuit.  Replace any damaged, old and frayed appliance cords.  Also never try to plug a 3-pronged plug into a 2-slot outlet or extension cord.

Fireplace and wood stove safety

Keep a mental check list of these safety tips before you light your fireplace or wood stove.

• Have your chimney cleaned regularly (twice a year) and inspect your flue vents periodically.  To reduce creosote build up in your chimney flue, don’t burn cardboard, green wood or garbage.
• Keep a Class A fire extinguisher readily available. Also, make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in the proper areas and test them regularly.
• Don’t use gasoline, charcoal starter fluid or other flammable liquids to start your fire.
• Teach your children to stay clear of hot stoves and burning fires. Never leave young children unattended when you’re operating your fireplace or wood stove.
• Let ashes cool and fully extinguish in a metal container before discarding. They can contain live coals.
• Store wood safely away from your wood-burning appliance. Check with your local fire department or wood stove manual for proper clearances.

Fireplace owners: Open the damper before you light your fire, and keep it open until the fire has burnt out and the ashes are cool. Use a screen to keep logs and embers inside your fireplace.

Wood stove owners: Have your fire department, building inspector, stove retailer or chimney sweep ensure your stove meets WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) safety guidelines. If you’re installing a new stove, place it well away from walls, furniture, curtains and other combustible material, and make sure it has proper clearance, a floor pad and a ventilation system.

With these precautions in place, you’re ready to enjoy your fireplace or wood stove all winter long.

Ensuring you have adequate coverage for your home is imperative. The brokers at Taylor Forder Insurance understand what matters most to you. We provide tailor-made home insurance policies based on your needs to best protect you and your family. The experienced staff of Taylor Forder Insurance will review your insurance requirements with you and recommend the best policy to suit your needs at the best price. Your protection is our policy.

Contact us now for a quick and easy quote.