Fire Prevention: Good Habits to Adopt

Did you know that in Quebec, an average of 13 homes are damaged by fire every single day? Even more striking: nearly 48% of these fires are caused by simple distraction or human error.

The good news is that they are often very easy to prevent! For Fire Prevention Week, our team has put together a few essential checks and habits to keep your home safe.

It’s the simplest and most effective way to save lives. An unattended stove or an electrical failure can turn sour very quickly.

• The 10-year rule: The manufacture date is stamped on the back of the device. If it’s more than 10 years old, it must be replaced—even if it still beeps when you press the test button.
• Batteries and testing: Use the upcoming fall daylight saving time change to replace the batteries and test every alarm in your home.
• Carbon monoxide: If you use wood, gas, or oil heating, or if you have an attached garage, a carbon monoxide detector is just as essential.

When cold weather sets in, heating systems run at full capacity. This is when several risks arise:

• Mandatory chimney sweeping: If you heat with wood or pellets, have your chimney swept by a professional before the first fire of the season.
• Clearance around baseboards: Always keep at least 10 cm (4 inches) of clear space in front of electric baseboards. Pay special attention to curtains, furniture, and toys.
• Space heaters: Always plug portable heaters directly into a wall outlet (never into an extension cord) and turn them off when you leave the room.

The majority of residential fires start in the kitchen, often due to a moment of inattention.

• Never leave cooking oil or food unattended on the stove.
• Keep recyclables, dish towels, and packaging away from stovetops.
• Keep a working, easily accessible portable fire extinguisher (type ABC) near the kitchen.

Take 5 minutes with your family to draw up or review your evacuation plan. Identify at least two possible exits per room and choose a safe meeting spot outside.

Have you recently installed a new wood stove, fireplace, or heat pump? Don’t forget to notify your team at Malouin Insurance!

For wood-burning appliances, this step is critical: adding a stove changes your property’s risk profile. Declaring it ensures that your installation meets standard requirements and, above all, that you remain fully covered in the event of a claim.

Remember to keep your chimney sweeping and maintenance invoices as well—they serve as proof that your installations are safe!

By following these simple tips, you significantly reduce the risk of accidents while protecting what matters most to you.

Have questions about your home insurance? Your Malouin broker will be more than happy to assist you!