Contact Trillium Mutual
495 Mitchell Road South
Listowel, ON N4W 0C8
Phone: (519) 291-9300
Toll Free: 1-800-265-3020
Fax: (519) 291-1800
admin@trilliummutual.com
Safety Tips
- Every family should have a fire escape plan and practice it.
- As required by law, all houses must have working smoke detectors installed on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed near bedroom areas.
- All detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
- Burning candles should not be left unattended.
- Heating systems should be serviced annually.
- Wood heating systems should be installed and serviced by WETT Certified Installers.
- The correct clearances for heating systems from combustibles must be adhered to.
- Drywall is not an approved heat shield and is considered a combustible material even if fire-rated.
- Chimneys should be cleaned annually or more frequently if required and inspected for deterioration with each cleaning.
- Ensure heating systems are installed to code.
- Chimneys that were once approved may not meet today's regulation requirements.
- All manufactured chimneys should be rated 650 degrees Celsius for wood burning appliances; unless the chimney was tested and approved with the unit such as a factory built fireplace.
- Ashes should be stored in metal containers with lids and stored on non-combustible flooring.
- Sump pumps should have backup units and alarm systems.
- If there is a home burglar alarm system, a sump pump alarm and a heat detection monitor can be added to the alarm system.
- Stairs and outside steps require hand-rails.
- Keep all stairs in good repair and clear of clutter.
- Keep steps and sidewalks clear of ice.
- Electrical work should be completed by a licensed electrician.
- All panel covers and electrical box covers must be in place.
- Surge protection can be installed to protect your electrical system and electronics in your home and business.
- Extension cords are for temporary use only and permanent receptacles should be installed where needed.
- Bathroom and outside receptacles should be Ground Fault Interrupt protected.
- Light and receptacle circuits require 15 amp fuses. Only specifically wired circuits require higher amperage rated fuses.
- Temporary space heaters are to be replaced with permanent heaters.
- Guard yourself against spontaneous ignited fires by keeping rags and towels saturated with gas, oil paints, cleaning fluids or greases in metal containers with lids in a well ventilated cool area until they can be disposed of.
- Keep your basement, attic and garages clean - many fires start here.
- Make sure there is no large build-up of snow or ice on roofs.
- Fire extinguishers are to be installed on self-propelled machinery and in workshops, barns, garages and homes.
- Keep all safety shields and railings in place.
- All fuels are to be stored in approved containers.
- Gasoline and propane tanks must not be stored in basements.
- Check with your municipality for outdoor fire burn regulations.
- Burglar alarms should be considered.
- Provide grading away from your home to help water drain away from foundation.
- Extend eavestrough downpipes to help keep water away from foundations.
- Keep grass and weeds cut around all buildings to prevent them from becoming fire hazards and homes to rodents.