Allstate Insurance: Connor Foreman

Every year, Canadians head to cottages, campsites, and backyards to make the most of the warmer months, and few things feel more quintessentially summer than gathering around a fire. 🔥

But before bringing home a new outdoor firepit, it’s important to think beyond the ambiance. The right setup, proper installation, and awareness of local fire restrictions can help prevent accidents and reduce wildfire risks.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy and light your first fire:

✔️ Look for CSA or ULC-certified firepits
✔️ Choose the right fuel type for your space (wood, propane, natural gas) and never burn trash, treated wood, leaves, or construction debris
✔️ Install it on a non-combustible surface like concrete, stone, or gravel
✔️ Keep proper clearance from structures, homes, fences, hedges, trees, and decks (typically 3 to 15 meters, depending on local bylaws)
✔️ Always keep water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby
✔️ Never leave a fire unattended

Firepit regulations can vary depending on your province, municipality, or even current weather conditions. For example, you might be required to have a spark screen or a chimney. In certain cities or areas, outdoor fires are banned altogether. Some areas may also restrict or ban outdoor burning during periods of elevated wildfire risk.

Before buying and using your firepit, check:
🍁 Your municipality or local fire department regulations
🍁 Provincial and local fire danger maps and burn restrictions
🍁 The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC)
🍁 Local emergency alerts and advisories

Enjoy the outdoors responsibly and help protect your home, your community, and the places Canadians love most.

Handing over the keys to your teen’s first moped is a big milestone. 🛵
It comes with more freedom, more independence… and new responsibilities on the road.

While scooters may seem less intimidating than cars, they still require strong safety habits and responsible riding from the very beginning. Before those first solo rides, take the time to have clear, practical conversations with your teen to help them ride more safely and confidently.

A few important reminders to discuss together 📋:

✔️ Limit distractions while riding
Phones, headphones, music, and notifications can quickly take attention away from the road.

✔️ Always wear a helmet and proper protective gear
A properly fitted helmet, visible clothing, and closed-toe shoes can make a major difference in the event of an incident.

✔️ Review traffic rules and risky riding behaviours
Speed limits, intersections, blind spots, and following distance all matter. Scooters are smaller and more vulnerable in traffic.

✔️ Talk about visibility on the road
Encourage your teen to stay visible, use turn signals, and avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots whenever possible.

✔️ Set clear expectations from the start
Passengers, curfews, approved routes, or riding in poor weather conditions are all important conversations to have early on.

✔️ Make sure they know what to do in an emergency
Whether it’s a breakdown, a fall, or an accident, having a plan in place can help your teen stay calmer and safer under pressure.

These conversations may seem simple, but they play an important role in helping teens build safe riding habits and confidence over time. 💙

Because good preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.