“Electrical accidents and fires cause personal injury to homeowners and millions of dollars of damage to homes each year. These tragedies often result from poor installation, outdated components and systems that have not been maintained.

To protect you, organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) provide and continually update electrical standards for homes just like yours. These standards protect you, your home and your family from fire and electrical shock.

Plus, the electrical industry is constantly improving with new technology to make your home more energy efficient and safer. The electrical codes are constantly updated to reflect that technology, and many of these advancements have outdated many wiring methods used in the past.

If your home hasn’t been updated with the latest standards, you may have a potential hazard under your roof.

Electrocution and fire are real threats. For example, in 2001, electrical problems accounted for 5,840 fires, 270 injuries and deaths and $183,547,581 in damages in Canada.*

With homeowner education, improved safety standards and programs like the Home Protection Plan, homes are being protected and lives are being saved. I urge you to consider this plan. Many fires and electrical deaths are caused by factors that could have been avoided with regular maintenance.

Take this opportunity to protect your home and your family from the threat of electrical fire and shock.”

Vernon T. Houchin 
Retired Fire Department Captain

Mr. Houchin was also President of the Retired Firefighters Association, Vice President of Local 73 International Firefighters Union and Legislative Chairman of the Firefighters Benefits Committee.

* Statistics from the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners’ 2001 Annual Report of Fire Losses in Canada.