13 general fire prevention rules

Avoiding fire-related risks is your responsibility. Adopt the following good habits to fire-proof your home and make it safer.

1. Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working order.

Did you know that if your home was built before 1985, the City of Laval requires that you replace your battery-operated smoke detectors with models that use non-removable lithium batteries with a lifespan of 10 years? In addition, you could be required to have one or more carbon monoxide detectors. View our tips related to fire prevention equipment.

2. Always keep an eye on foods cooking on the stove.

Did you know that 22% of fires occur as a result of cooking and that these fires are too often caused by inattention? To learn more about preventing cooking fires, please view our tips on the subject.

3. Do not operate certain electric household appliances if you’re not going to be at home.

In the morning, just before leaving home, it can be tempting to turn on the dishwasher or the dryer. However, it’s important to know that these machines are equipped with heating elements that can pose a risk of fire. For example, a kitchen utensil could fall on the dishwasher element during the drying cycle and catch fire.

4. Keep burning objects or objects that can cause a fire out of reach of children.

The younger the children, the less aware they are of danger. In addition to protecting them from injury, it is important to keep items that could cause a fire out of their reach. These items include irons, small haircare appliances, lighters, matches, etc.

5. Always keep an eye on cigarettes and vaping devices.

A tiny little cigarette can cause a major fire, unfortunately. And while they don’t produce a flame, vaping articles also pose a risk. Regardless of how you smoke, stay vigilant and strictly follow the safety guidelines issued by the Government of Quebec.

6. Always store your propane tanks outdoors.  

Propane tanks for barbecues should not be stored inside a house, a garage or a shed. Even when empty, they remain dangerous. Please view our practical tips to limit the dangers of fire outside your home

7. Do not overload electrical outlets.

Overloading electrical outlets is never a good idea. If you plug too many devices or power-hungry appliances into the same outlet, you run the risk of damaging the electrical wires, which can in turn cause an electrocution or a fire.

8. Keep fire hydrants accessible.  

Although this tip will not protect you against fire, it should still be followed. In case of fire, access to the fire hydrant closest to your home will help limit the damage and prevent the flames from spreading to neighbouring buildings. Practise heightened vigilance when parking your car or putting your garbage on the curb.

9. Get your children involved in fire prevention.

The risks of fire are often brought up with children at school or even daycare. Yet, that does not mean that you cannot prepare them at home, for example by showing them where the smoke detectors are. You can also explain to them what to do if a fire breaks out at home by showing them your evacuation plan, which should be included in your family safety plan.

10. Make proper use of lithium-ion batteries.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have become increasingly popular. They can be found in such items as telephones, laptop computers, electric bicycles and vaping devices. When improperly used, however, they can cause a fire or even explode. For these reasons, it is important to exercise caution and, above all, to only use batteries and devices certified for use in Canada. The Government of Canada has set out all the safety guidelines required to ensure their proper use.

11. Exercise caution when recharging your electronic devices.

When recharging your telephones and other devices, it is important to use the proper certified charger. Recharging should be done on a hard surface (never on a bed) and at a safe distance from flammable materials, such as paper and fabric. Also avoid exposing and recharging batteries under extremely hot or cold conditions. In addition, check for signs that the battery is defective, including swelling, a leak, or high heat. When recharging a bicycle, scooter or any other bulky equipment, make sure that you are not blocking an exit in your home.

12. Ensure that your chimney is properly maintained.

Each time you make a fire using wood or gas, the smoke and tar leave traces inside your chimney. When these traces build up, they can cause a fire. You are required to have your chimney swept once a year, therefore, preferably by someone qualified.  

13. Keep heat sources uncluttered. 

The practice of drying your socks on a radiator or in front of a fireplace is not worth the risk. Instead, leave a space of at least 10 cm between heat sources and clothes, curtains and furniture.

What to do with fireplace ashes

Much like cigarette ashes and butts, fireplace ashes should be placed in a fire-proof container with a cover. The ashes can be thrown out after seven days.