Here are 12 Tips for Preventing a Fire

Since 2010 there has been an average of 358,300 home structure fires per year in the United States. That’s nearly 1,000 home fires a day – and it can happen to anyone. Home fires cause on average over 2,560 deaths, 12,720 fire and burn injuries, and over $6.7 billion dollars in direct home damage. The truth is, most home fires are easily preventable. Take some time to secure the safety of your home with these 12 home fire safety tips.

1. Install Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms on each level throughout your house, test monthly, and change your batteries twice a year.

2. Create a Fire Escape Plan

You should have at least two exits from each main room, and practice it with your family. It’s also a good idea to create a meeting place outside of your house.

3. Create a Disaster Communication Plan

Make sure your family knows how to contact each other in case of emergency. Creating a disaster communication plan can help in many scenarios.

4. Stop, Drop, and Roll

Every member of your family should know the stop drop, and roll technique in the event your clothes catch fire.

5. Smoke Outside Only

Smoking has historically been the leading cause of all in-home fire deaths, most of which were from people who fell asleep smoking.

6. Keep Matches & Lighters Out Of Reach

If you have small children, it’s always a good idea to keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach.

7. Secure Stove & Cook Tops

Stove and cook tops is the leading causes of fires. Ensure both children and pets can’t easily activate a stove top burner.

8. Never Leave Candles Unattended

Always burn candles in sturdy candle holders and never go to sleep or leave home with a candle still burning and not properly extinguished.

9. Yearly Heating Equipment Inspections

Make sure you get your heating equipment inspected yearly by a professional.

10. Yearly Chimney Inspections

Blocked chimneys are always a fire hazard. If you have a chimney, get it inspected and cleaned yearly by a professional.

11. Have the Electrical Wiring Inspected

Old wiring and shoddy electrical repair jobs are always a fire hazard. Especially if you just moved into a new home, getting the electrical system inspected by a professional is always a good idea.

12. Safely Store Flammable and Hazardous Materials

Store all flammable and hazardous materials, such as gasoline, in a proper container. Store the containers outside in a detached garage or shed. In the unfortunate event that you have suffered fire damage in your home, you need to act quickly. Contact your insurance agent, followed by a fire damage repair expert who can quickly assess the damages.