Preventing fire damage

If there is a risk of fire in your area, above all ensure your own safety and that of your family using these tips.

 

How to prepare

  1. Find out about prevention and evacuation measures in your region
  2. Draw up an evacuation plan
    Designate a meeting point with members of your family. Also plan for a place to stay in the event you no longer have access to your residence.
  3. Arrange to help each other
    Talk to your neighbours about a plan to help one another in the event of an emergency.
  4. If the risk of fire becomes serious, remove anything that may easily burn and cause a fire to spread, such as firewood, barbecue or propane cylinders

In the event of wind-blown smoke

Even if the fire is many kilometres from your home, blowing smoke could be a problem. Here are general recommendations.

  • Breathe through a wet cloth
    Hold the cloth in front of your mouth and nose to avoid breathing in smoke.
  • Go to a safe location
    If you have health problems, particularly a cardiac or respiratory condition, go to a care facility or any other location away from the smoke.

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Once the risk has been eliminated and depending on the extent of damage to your residence, you can follow these tips to prevent it from becoming worse.

If there is minor damage

  • Air out your residence
    Once the fire is out, open the doors and windows to air out the house, temperature permitting.
  • Take photos of the damage

 

If there is major damage

Contact a contractor* to board up the windows and secure the premises. A claims advisor can then provide all of the additional guidance you may need.

Once the situation is under control, call a claims advisor to open your claim.

Note: If your home is no longer habitable, keep receipts for all expenses you incur for food and lodging outside your home. Depending on the nature of the damage and your coverage, these expenses may be reimbursed. If you do some of the work yourself, keep a record of the jobs done and the hours worked.

*Refer to your insurance policy to determine the scope of your coverage. Keep receipts for all expenses incurred in protecting or preserving your property.

These tips are provided for information only and are not all inclusive. They neither constitute nor replace the advice of an expert.

The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only. The terms and conditions of the coverages described are set out in the home insurance policy, which always prevails. Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply.

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