1. Reduce fire risks caused by electric heating
Around 65% of Quebec households use electric heating[2]. If you were under the impression that this is the safest heating method, you’re mistaken! The fact is that electric heating units are the cause of more than 40% of household fires in Quebec[3]. To prevent your electric heating system from causing a fire, you need to remove as much dust as possible from the units before turning the system on for the first time in the fall. And if you notice a suspicious noise or unusual smell, don’t hesitate to have your system inspected by a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to fire risks!
2. Reduce clutter in or around your baseboard heaters
Before starting your heating system for the winter, make sure that no objects are trapped in or around your radiators or baseboard heaters. Also, keep all objects such as furniture, toys, curtains or power cables at least 10 cm away from them. It’s best not to dry wet socks or mittens on these heaters because such items could melt or catch fire. For the same reason, don’t paint your baseboard heaters because the paint can crack and catch fire.
3. Be extra cautious with your space heaters
Space heaters are a simple solution for getting a little extra heat in very cold weather. To reduce the risk of short-circuits, plug the unit directly into an electrical outlet, and don’t use an extension cord. Always turn the unit off before going out. Also, keep it out of the reach of children and pets in order to reduce the risk of burns because some space heaters can become very hot.
4. Prevent fires caused by wood-burning
If you heat with wood, store the wood at least 1.5 m from the fireplace. When you empty the ashes, dump them into a metal container and place them outdoors and away from any flammable materials for at least 72 hours. And don’t forget that if you heat by wood, you need to notify your broker in order to have the proper coverage.
