Fire Prevention Week

Source: Sécurité publique du Québec (MSP)

Fire Prevention Week is an initiative of the Ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec (MSP) and runs from October 6 to 12, 2024.

Every year in Quebec, fires account for an average of :

• 13 homes damaged every day;
• 308 people injured;
• 27,000 people evacuated.

Nearly 48% of fires in the home are the result of distraction or human error.

The inadequate use of electrical appliances and poor maintenance of your systems may cause a fire. Electrical equipment and electrical distribution equipment are the main source of heat in over 23% of damaged residential buildings.

Among victims of residential fires, 66% are over 60 years old. If you are a senior citizen or the loved one of a senior citizen, please be particularly vigilant. 

Knowing about and adopting safe behaviors helps improve the safety of all residents.

Multi-socket connection

If you're using a multi-socket connection, make sure that it is equipped with power surge protection, in order to avoid a power surge in the electrical supply system. The presence of a red cut-off button is a good indicator of a power surge protection. What’s more, in case of a power outage, this feature protects your electrical appliances. Only use low-energy consumption devices with such multi-socket connections. 

Do NOT plus the following devices or appliances in a multi-socket connection:

• Large appliances: refrigerator, tumble dryer, dishwasher, oven;  
• Small appliances: microwave, coffee maker, blender, toaster, slow cooker;  
• Hair care appliances: straightener, curling iron, hair dryer;  
• Space heaters;  
• Other multi-socket connections, extension cords. 

Rechargeable devices

Many of the things you use every day are rechargeable devices: 

• cell phones; 
• laptop and tablet; 
• smartwatch; 
• robot (e.g. robot vacuum cleaner); 
• electric bikes and scooters; 
• vaping equipment; 
• cordless drills, etc. 

To avoid fire when using rechargeable devices : 

• Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and follow them at all times:Charge your device in a safe place, away from flammable materials; 
• Respect the maximum time allowed for recharging (for example, by using a timer); 
• Use the charger supplied with your device, or an approved model;  
• Avoid exposing the charger to water, heat or extreme cold; 
• Never modify or alter the charger; 
• Check the charger regularly for damage. 
• Dispose of batteries at a depot or ecocenter. Never put them in the garbage or recycling bin, as they could start a fire if crushed by equipment. 

Electric heating appliances

To use electric heaters safely : 

• Choose CSA/ULC-certified electric heaters and follow the manufacturer's instructions;   
• Keep wall heaters at least 15 cm away from combustible materials;   
• Ensure that auxiliary heaters are equipped with an automatic shut-off and installed at least 1 metre away from combustible materials;  
• Never modify electrical appliances or equipment.   

For 10 tips on how to prevent fires, consult this document (french only).