The damage caused by home fires is the number one reason that Americans file claims on their homeowners insurance. Not to mention, home fires result in over 3,400 deaths per year. While unforeseen incidents are always a risk, most home fires are preventable so long as you stay alert to potential hazards and you follow tried-and-true fire safety tips.
· Safety equipment: Smoke detectors are the best method of detecting a fire early on, giving you and your family time to escape safely. Install one in every room and manually check the batteries every three to six months in case your miss the low-battery chirp. Some households also choose to keep a few fire extinguishers handy. If you do this, make sure everyone knows how to use them. Use the acronym PASS—pull the pin, aim the nozzle, squeeze the trigger and sweep the nozzle across the base of the fire.
· Cooking safety: Most home fires ignite in the kitchen because of unattended cooking food. While it’s safe to walk into the next room while a dish is in the oven, never leave a heated stovetop unattended. A watchful eye can catch a towel too close to a heated burner or a child reaching for a hot pan handle. Use your common sense to catch these hazards before they cause a real problem.
· Candle safety: Lit candles also should never be left unattended. Place them at least 3 feet away from flammable objects, such as furniture or drapes, and out of reach of curious pets or children. Always blow candles out when you leave the room and go to sleep.
· Portable heater safety: As winter wanes, it’s important to not get sloppy when it comes to portable heater safety. Like candles, always place heaters at least three feet away from flammable items and turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep. When springtime fully blooms, unplug heaters and store them for next year.
· Smoking safety: Smoking indoors is the leading cause of death resulting from home fires. The safest place to smoke is outside, away from flammable objects like patio umbrellas. Ensure that cigarette butts are completely extinguished by stomping them out or dousing them with water.
Protect your home from unforeseen accidents. Call Lancette Agency at (651) 264-1230 for more information on home insurance in Minneapolis.