Summer brings long days, warm evenings, and more time spent outdoors. However, it also brings an increased risk of fire. The good news is that with the right preparation, most fire-related emergencies can be prevented or safely managed.

This guide outlines practical fire prevention steps, safe equipment use, and what to do if a fire does occur, so you can enjoy the season with confidence.

Fire prevention and preparation

There’s an old saying, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ This is especially true when it comes to fire safety. Taking the time to create a plan and put preventative measures in place can protect you and your family in the event of a fire.

  • Prepare a fire escape plan: Include everyone in your household in rehearsing the plan. Additionally, it’s important to establish a safe meeting point outside your home where you can call 9-1-1.
  • Check smoke alarms: Test all of your smoke alarms every six months. Replace any weak or dead batteries and note the age of the alarms as well.
  • Keep fire extinguishers accessible: Ensure you have your fire extinguishers in an accessible location. Review the instructions so you know how to use it in the event of a fire.
  • Check local fire regulations: If you’re planning on setting off fireworks or having an open-air fire, check your local regulations and permit requirements first.
  • Opening your cottage: If you have a cottage or seasonal property, check your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers when opening at the start of each season.
  • Review your insurance: Review your home insurance policies with your broken to ensure they’re up to date and you’re covered in the event of a fire.

Practising fire safety

While taking steps to prevent and prepare for a fire is important, it’s equally important to safely use equipment that can start a fire, such as barbecues, fireworks, and outdoor fire pits.

  • Check the local fire risk: Before engaging in any activities that present a fire risk, check your local environment warnings, especially if you’re in a forested area. Fires can spread extremely easily during dry weather, and what started as a backyard barbecue can quickly grow into a catastrophe.
  • Never leave fire unsupervised: When using firepits or other open-air fires, always supervise the fire. Never leave the fire unattended and completely extinguish all fires when you leave the area.
  • Stick to designated smoking areas: Only smoke outside and, if available, in a designated smoking area. Make sure there is a clear and safe disposal method for extinguishing and disposing of cigarette butts.
  • Always supervise children: Don’t let children handle lighters or fireworks. Keep children under supervision when using sparklers and keep a basin of water nearby to extinguish sparklers or defective fireworks.
  • Follow barbecue safety protocols: When using your barbecue, make sure it’s set up outside on level ground, and at least one metre away from your house or cottage. Before use each season, thoroughly clean the barbecue and inspect it for any parts that may be broken or disconnected.
  • Follow propane storage regulations: When storing propane tanks, you must comply with Ontario Regulation 211/01 (Propane Storage Handling). Consult the Technical Standards & Safety Authority’s (TSSA) propane cylinder safety checklist and make sure your propane storage area meets all the listed criteria.

How to respond in the event of a fire

Sometimes, despite our best efforts and preparations, a fire breaks out anyway. Fortunately, thanks to the preventative measures you took earlier, you should have a plan that you can follow to safely escape the fire. While your specific escape route will vary based on your home’s layout, here are some universal tips on how to respond if a fire breaks out:

  • If it is safe to do so, use fire extinguishers to put out a small fire. Be prepared to flee and proceed with your escape plan if the fire continues to
  • Stay low and crawl under smoke. Use a piece of clothing, cloth napkin, or similar to cover your nose and mouth to help prevent smoke inhalation.
  • If you or your clothes catch fire, practise ‘Stop, drop and roll’: Stop where you are, drop gently to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll until the flames are smothered.
  • Even if you manage to put out the fire, call 9-1-1. Fire professionals are trained to handle a fire, and to assess the danger of re-ignition once a fire is out.
  • Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances until professionals have deemed it structurally safe.
  • Once the danger has passed and you’ve had time to recover, reach out to your insurance provider. They will help you navigate the next steps and provide support.

Enjoy your summer with confidence

Summer should be a time to relax and make memories. By taking steps to prevent fires, practising safe habits, and ensuring your insurance coverage is up to date, you can enjoy the season knowing you’re protected.

If you’re unsure whether your home, cottage, or seasonal property has the right fire coverage, an experienced Cowan insurance broker can help you review your home insurance policy and close any gaps before summer begins.