Home Insurance - 6 Ways to Prevent Fire in Our Homes

Fire can easily cause devastating damage to our homes as well as the loss of our loved ones. According to the National Fire Protection Association there are 352,000 home fires in 2016 alone, resulting in 2,735 civilian deaths and over $5 billion in property damage. It is important for us to reduce the chances of having our homes burned down by following these tips.

Install alarms

Have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, outside the sleeping area, and in every level of your house including the basement. Mount these alarms either on the ceiling or the higher part of the wall. Alarms that are mounted on the wall shouldn’t be further than 12 inches from the ceiling. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the alarm in prime condition.

Secure the electricity

Electrical failure is one of the leading cause of home fires. It’s important to check your electrical plugs, cords, and fuses for any damage and replace them as soon as possible to prevent fire damage. Even a spark from a frayed cable can cause a big fire in the end.

Place heaters properly

Heaters can light up flammable objects that are stored nearby, so it’s best to leave 3 feet of empty space from all the heaters inside your house. Don’t let your kids or pets get close to the heater as it may burn them. It’s also a good idea to have your heating equipment checked time to time in case of any malfunctions.

Inspect chimneys regularly

Keep your chimneys clean and have them maintained on a regular basis. You can hire a professional fireplace and chimney inspection to help you find any problems.

Be wary with the kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most common fire sources that can end up burning your house down. Keep items that can easily catch on fire in a safe distance from stoves and other heating appliances. Always pay attention to what you’re cooking or heating and don’t leave the kitchen while doing so.

Be careful with candles

Don’t let a child handle a candle and make sure to put it out when unattended. You can purchase flameless battery candles as a safer replacement too.

Following these tips will reduce the chance of getting your house turned into ashes, but it wouldn’t eliminate risk completely. Fortunately, a home insurance would cover damage caused by fire. Contact one of our agents to know more about how home insurance would help protect your house and your family.
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At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that makes your life easier. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (409) 945-4746. Get your free quote today by clicking here.