Did you know home fires account for more than roughly 25% of fires per year? Fall and winter are also the most common seasons when home fires occur. Losing a home means losing years of memories and thousands of dollars in valuables. On top of that, a bad fall or winter fire could leave you out in the cold for months. We wanted to go over some tips for preventing a house fire and protecting your family.
1. Safety Plan
If you don’t have a fire safety plan at home, why not? In some cases, a fire can spread so quickly that you only have up to 2 minutes to escape! It’s crucial to sit down with your family and discuss what should happen if a fire breaks out. On your plan, be sure to mark all exit ways by door or window. You should also routinely check smoke detector batteries and install alarms in all bedrooms. Also make sure to have a fire extinguisher within quick reach of kitchens and rooms with fireplaces. A quick response to the start of a house fire could halt it entirely.
2. Small Prevention Tips
To prevent a fire, there are some tips to follow which you may never consider. An easily-forgotten tip is to clean danger areas regularly or with every use. This includes stovetops and ovens, as well as cleaning the lint screen for your dryer after every cycle. If these small items build up, they can catch fire easily.
You should also be wary of electrical problems that could grow out of control. If you live in an older home, your wiring could be past due for replacement. Other signs to be aware of include a burnt smell without a proper source, your breaker shutting off repeatedly, or sparking outlets. If you identify any of these issues, you should contact a professional to get their attention.
3. Regular House Maintenance
On a larger scale, your home could have gas or electric systems that have worn out or were tampered with by a previous owner. When buying a house, ensure the inspection covers every part of the home and test the oven, furnace, or hot water to watch for any signs of danger. Additionally, ensure proper maintenance of these systems and appliances to reduce the chance of a malfunction causing a fire.
With all the protection in the world, home fires are still very unpredictable. You never think you could end up a victim until it actually happens, but that attitude will lead to disaster. For more home safety tips and insurance-related solutions, contact us! Check out some of our other insurance services as well if you need support.