House fire hazards: How understanding the causes can help you protect your home

A fire in your home can turn your life upside down in a matter of minutes. Household fires can usually be traced back to everyday objects: think pots left unattended on the stove, clogged lint filters and overloaded power outlets. But there are simple steps you can take to help prevent house fires and protect your home and family. We’ve put together this guide to walk you through the main causes of house fires, fire safety tips and must-have fire protection systems, plus how home insurance coverage fits in.

Every year, Fire Prevention Week is observed in Canada to raise awareness about fire safety. The risk of a fire in your home is very real, so it’s important to understand how they get started. Let’s kick things off with a look at the top causes of house fires.

Unsurprisingly, most home fires start in the kitchen. If you’re not careful, a forgotten dish in the oven or a pot left attended on the stove can quickly turn into something much worse. Always practise safe cooking habits: stay in the kitchen the entire time you’re cooking, keep an eye on all the heat sources and cooking equipment you’re using and always have a lid at the ready.

Electrical and electronic devices are such a big part of our lives, we hardly even think about them. But if used incorrectly or not properly maintained, they can be a serious fire hazard. There are some simple things you can do to help prevent electrical fires, such as not overloading power outlets, refraining from long-term use of electrical extension cords, replacing any damaged cords and never leaving batteries charging longer than necessary.

Keep portable space heaters away from curtains and bedding. When temperatures start to drop, home heating fires begin to rise, with space heaters primarily to blame. As a rule of thumb, leave one metre (3 feet) of clearance on all sides. And if you have a wood, gas or fuel-burning heater, consider getting a carbon monoxide detector for peace of mind.

One of the leading causes of deadly home fires is cigarettes that aren’t put out properly. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, cigarettes are associated with 64% of residential fire-related deaths. Smoking indoors is especially dangerous because of proximity to flammable textiles, such as couches and bedding. To avoid fire hazards, smoke outside when possible, always put out cigarettes in a sturdy ashtray and never leave a lit cigarette unattended.

A bath, dinner or evening of reading by candlelight sounds divine, but if you’re not careful, the vibe can shift fast. Again, keep lit candles away from textiles, and never leave them unattended or on unstable surfaces. LED candles can be a great alternative, giving you all the ambience without the worry!

We’ve all run the dryer without cleaning out the lint trap from time to time. It might feel like a chore, but the longer you put it off, the more lint builds up in the filter and dryer vent, which puts you at greater risk of a clothes dryer fire. So make it a habit to clean out the filter after every load, and get the vents professionally inspected every year.

Now, let’s talk about prevention. As we’ve learned, most residential fires are the result of human error, which means they’re often avoidable if you have the right routine in place and the proper tools.

Smoke alarms are one of your best defences against fire, as long as they’re working properly. Having the right equipment is the first step, but routine maintenance is also critical.

• Smoke alarm – A must-have on every floor and near bedrooms. Test your smoke detectors monthly, change their batteries annually and fully replace them every 10 years. You can get interconnected smoke alarms that are designed for all the alarms in the house to go off at the same time, which can be incredibly helpful, especially at night.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) detector – A non-negotiable if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage, since carbon monoxide is odourless. Refer to your municipality’s fire code for specific requirements.
• Multipurpose (class ABC) fire extinguisher – This should be easy for anyone to reach and ideally located in the kitchen. Take the time to learn how to use your fire extinguisher and check the expiration date.

There are precautions you can take to help prevent fires in your home over the long term:

• Electrical system – If you have an older home, get it professionally inspected to make sure the electrical wiring is safe and up to code to prevent electrical malfunctions that could spark a fire.
• Exhaust systems – Have your chimney swept once a year to prevent the buildup of flammable soot, and clean and inspect your dryer’s exhaust vent annually.
• Devices and accessories – Stick with models that meet Canadian standards (CSA or equivalent UL standards), including chargers and electronics.
• Power outlets – With more remote work and the growing number of electronic devices in our homes, the risk of an overloaded power outlet is higher than ever. Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet, and don’t rely on electrical extension cords as a long-term solution.

When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Here are some things to remember so you can act fast if a fire does happen.

If you’re in an apartment or condo building, trigger the fire alarm and call 911 once you’re in a safe place.

Evacuate the building at the first sign of danger. Leave your belongings behind. Close all doors on your way out to slow the spread of the fire.

If your building has an elevator, always take the stairs if there’s a fire.

Once outside, meet with your household at the meeting place you put in your fire escape plan.

Even if it seems like the fire is under control, wait for the go-ahead from the fire department before you go back inside.

The best way to be ready to act when the time comes is to make a fire escape plan. Clearly mark the assembly point and consider identifying an alternate emergency exit in case the main exit is blocked. Run a fire drill with your family at least once a year, especially if you have young kids.

Even if you take every precaution, a residential fire can still happen. Your home insurance could help you cover your losses and provide support and peace of mind during a difficult time.

Accidental fire damage is usually a covered peril in Canadian home insurance policies. Home insurance coverage varies depending on whether you’re a homeowner, a condominium unit owner or a tenant, but may include:

• Damage to the building (for homeowners)
• Damage to contents (furniture, appliances, personal belongings)
• Additional living expenses if your residence is temporarily uninhabitable (accommodation, food, transportation)
• Liability coverage for unintentional injury or damage to others (for example, if you unintentionally start a fire in your kitchen and it spreads to your neighbour’s home)

We always recommend checking your policy’s coverage details, as some coverage may not apply in certain situations, such as cases of gross negligence or intentionally set fires.

Already have home insurance with Desjardins Insurance? Log in to Online Services to check your coverage details or file a claim for a loss.

To make the home insurance claims process easier after a household fire, here’s what you should do:

1. Report the loss to your insurance company as soon as possible.
2. Take any necessary emergency measures to prevent further damage. However, avoid repairing, disposing of or discarding damaged property or items before they have been assessed by your insurer.
3. Keep all receipts for emergency living expenses (accommodation, food, clothing, etc.).

Your insurer will guide you through the next steps.

Don’t have home insurance yet? You can get a quote online in just minutes.

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Certain conditions, exclusions and limitations may apply.

The terms and conditions of the coverages described are set out in the insurance policy, which always prevails.

These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting a certified insurance agent for comprehensive, tailored advice.