Insurance Bureau of Canada kicks off Fire Prevention Week with its IBC Top10 - tips for preventing fires and saving lives

EDMONTON, Oct. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - While equipping your house with smoke detectors continues to be the best way to prevent a fire from damaging your home, there are other steps a family can take to ensure they are prepared against and protected from fire. This Fire Prevention Week, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers Western Canadians its top 10 tips for preventing fires and saving lives.

"Data shows that, on average, home fires account for 30% of all fires and 73% of all fire-related deaths in Canada," explained Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific, IBC. "To reduce these incidents and keep families safe, IBC encourages everyone to take a few moments this Fire Prevention Week to help prevent a home fire."

1. Install and regularly check smoke detectors 
   • Remove dust, check batteries when the clocks change in the spring and fall, test regularly and replace at least every 10 years
2. Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family
   • Develop a fire evacuation plan, practice executing it and stick to the plan in an emergency
3. Frequently inspect and clean chimney flues
   • Ensure there is no blockage or buildup that could cause a fire
4. Install proper light bulbs
   • Never use light bulbs with a higher wattage than the maximum indicated on the fixture
5. Monitor heated appliances and decor
   • Properly use and watch portable heaters, ensure lint is removed from the dryer, never leave an iron unattended and keep an eye on burning candles
6. Be careful when cooking
   • Use your kitchen safely, especially when deep-frying or cooking with flammable oils
7. Properly store flammable materials
   • Keep gasoline, solvents, waste and other materials that could ignite at a distance of least 10 meters from your home
8. Remove dry leaves and debris
   • Keep leaves, other dry materials and potentially flammable garbage away from the exterior of your house, especially if you have wood or vinyl siding
9. Prepare and update a home inventory
   • Make a list of what you own, including the value of each item; take photos or make a video of your belongings; and update the list regularly  
10. Assemble a disaster safety kit
    • Prepare a basic kit of food, water and other necessities that will last at least 72 hours in an emergency  

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the private P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes and levies to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @IBC_West or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

Image with caption: "IBC Top10 - tips for preventing fires and saving lives (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141006_C1192_PHOTO_EN_6355.jpg

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]