In Canada, RBC Insurance conducted a survey between the dates of August 5th and August 8th 2008 looking at Canadian resident’s home insurance. The poll was based on a randomly selected sample of 2,000 adult homeowners who were all interviewed by telephone.

The survey revealed that although all Canadian insured homeowners had smoke alarms, only 56% of residents with home insurance had a fire escape plan or route. The survey also found that 51% of these people had never practiced the fire escape plan.

Fire awareness and safety

President of RBC General Insurance Company Francois Boulanger congratulated the homeowners on having smoke alarms, but realised that more needs to be done to raise awareness and education on fire safety matters: “It's great that Canadians are recognizing the need for smoke alarms in their homes, but it's troubling that so many homeowners don't have a plan in place if a fire erupts. Outlining and practicing a fire escape plan with your entire family is a simple and easy way to protect their well-being and reduce the fear associated with a house fire.”

The insurance company also exposed that eight in ten homeowner’s listed fire as their main reason to purchase home insurance before any other insurance policy.

Fire Prevention Canada produced statistics that displayed that 78% of deaths from fire occur in the home, with most fatalities taking place when people are sleeping. Therefore, it is not surprising that the study also revealed that almost one-third of Canadian homeowners which equals to around 29% did not own a fire extinguisher in their home.

Boulanger stated: “Our schools, hospitals and other public buildings have detailed escape plans and rehearse them regularly. But we need to get into the same mindset in our homes.”

Fire Prevention Week

In an attempt to help raise awareness when it comes to fire in the home RBC and Fire Prevention Canada have announced that they will partner up and start Fire Prevention Week, with a $15,000 donation to help with fire education and safety procedures.

David Hodgins, President of Fire Prevent Canada commented: “We thank RBC Insurance for their contribution and support. The results of the survey confirm the need for our awareness programs and solidify our resolve of disseminating the fire prevention message to every Canadian. Fire spreads very quickly. Without a proper fire escape plan, precious time will be lost in attempting to escape. It will cost lives.”

Fire Prevention Canada and RBC Insurance will launch Fire Prevention Week on Thursday October 2nd at 10.00am and will be situated at the Barney Dawson Theatre in the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa and will kick off with a special celebration.