Prevention tips

Prevention of barbecue-related fires

In the warmer months of the year, we definitely enjoy the thrill of the grill. Unfortunately, major fires often result from the improper use of barbecues.

Here are a few tips that you can follow to ensure the safety of your home when you fire up the grill.

• When purchasing your barbecue, make sure that all the hoses were properly connected at the time of set-up and that there are no damaged parts.
• Before lighting up for the first time in the spring or after a long period of disuse, you should:
  • Give your barbecue a thorough clean, including the burners, the kettle and the area underneath the cooking surface (behind the control knobs);
  • Inspect all the hoses and connections for any cracks or damage that may have occurred while not in use, to ensure that there is no gas leak.
• Maintain proper minimum clearances to combustibles, as specified in your barbecue's manual.
  • As a rule of thumb, 36 inches (or one meter) of clearance is required between ALL the sides of the appliance and the surrounding combustible materials.
• Always use your barbecue outside, even when it's raining. Cooking juices dripping onto the burners results in flare-ups with flames that can be several feet high.
• Never leave your barbecue unattended when in use.
• If you have a charcoal barbecue:
• Be very careful with lighter fluid and other such products. You might create a spectacular fireball if you use too much.
• Never add lighter fluid to a lit barbecue. Lit briquettes do not necessarily release a flame. The addition of lighter fluid may cause surprising reactions.
• Ensure your barbecue is stable, on a flat surface, and that it can't be knocked over or blown over by the wind. Hot briquettes spread over a combustible surface may cause a fire.
• Always use a non-combustible container to dispose of the ashes. Hot embers may be present in the ashes but their heat imperceptible, sometimes for more than 24 hours following use.

Prevention of potting soil fires

Potting soil used in gardening often contains flammable materials (peat moss, wood chips, polystyrene, vermiculite, etc.), which allow maximum moisture retention. When the soil is dry, contact with a source of heat (such as a still-lit cigarette butt) may cause a major fire.

To reduce the risks of fire:

• Have ashtrays handy to collect cigarette butts and ashes. The safest way to put out a cigarette is to use an ashtray.
• Water your potted plants frequently to keep the soil moist.
• Use clay pots, because they can keep a fire contained better than other types of pots.
• Keep potted plants and soil away from combustible materials (firewood, paper, aerosols, solvents, fuel, cleaning products, etc.).
• Dispose of unused potting soil, because it can pose a fire hazard once it's dried out.

For a great vacation, plan your absence!

• Have someone you trust stop by your property on a regular basis. Give that person your property and casualty insurer's name and contact information, as well as your policy number, in case of an emergency. Don't forget that insurance contracts do not cover damage to property that occurs when the main building is unoccupied for over thirty (30) consecutive days unless it is visited on a weekly basis by the person you trust.
• Have the exterior of your home maintained. Depending on the season, arrange for someone to mow your lawn, clear away your snow and pick up your mail, flyers and newspapers. Ensure that the lighting is adequate, and lock all doors and windows, including your shed, etc.
• Give potential intruders the impression that your home is occupied by using a timer for the lights and radio, for example, so that it seems as though someone is at home.
• If you are leaving your car behind, arrange for someone to move it from time to time. Otherwise, ask a neighbour to park in your driveway on occasion.
• Make sure your alarm system is functioning, and inform your service provider of your plans. Don't forget to give your service provider the contact information of someone you trust.
• Store your valuables in a safe place away from your home, or in a truly secure place in your home.
• Turn off the hot water valve, as well as the water supply to the washer and dishwasher, etc.
• Make sure that the thermostat is set at an adequate comfort level based on the season.

Source: Quebec Safety League