Home Fire Safety and Prevention Tips

Your home is somewhere you expect to feel safe. Yet more injuries and deaths from fire occur in the home than in any other place. Don’t underestimate the danger of fire. Use this home fire safety guide to help you prepare and learn what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.

Cooking Fires

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. Here are home fire prevention tips you can do to decrease the chance of a cooking fire:

• Never leave the stovetop unattended. 
• Electrical Stoves: Use a burner that is the right size for the pan. A burner that is too large can cause the pan and its contents to heat too quickly, which can lead to boil-overs, scorching and burning.
• Gas Stoves: Keep the flame entirely under the pan. A flame that surrounds the pan can easily ignite a loose-fitting sleeve.
• Keep the stovetop, oven and range hood free of grease and spills that can catch on fire.

 

Electrical Fires

Here’s how you can protect yourself from starting an electrical fire:

• Hire a qualified, licensed electrician to inspect your home and make any necessary repairs.
• Replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size.
• Don’t run cords under carpeting, bedding or other combustible materials. Don’t run cords across a frequently traveled area.
• Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
• Use the right wattage for lamps and fixtures.
• Position lamps away from open windows, where strong breezes can blow draperies onto hot light bulbs.

 

Furniture Fires

Furniture can play a large role in how quickly a fire spreads. That’s because the foam and fillers burn rapidly, release tremendous heat, produce toxic gases and consume oxygen rapidly. Here are a few home fire safety tips to be aware of when choosing new furniture for your house:

• Choose fire-resistant furniture: Look for furniture approved by the Upholstered Furniture Action Council or that meets the requirements of the California Bureau of Home Furnishings.
• Replace your old mattress. Mattresses manufactured after 1973 are required to be more resistant to ignition by cigarettes.
• Keep electrical cords, lamps and appliances away from upholstered furniture and mattresses.

 

Home Heating System Fires

Fireplaces, wood or pellet stoves, and other fuel-fired appliances are often used as an alternative way to heat your house. The improper use of these other heating methods is a leading cause of house fires in December, January and February.

If you’re planning to use another method to keep warm in your house, here are home fire safety tips to keep in mind:

• Allow 3 feet of open space on all sides of space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces.
• Refuel a heater only when it is cool. When refueling, make sure it’s away from any open flames, such as candles or lit cigarettes.
• If you’re using a portable heater, choose a model with a “tip switch.” This will automatically shut off the unit if it is tipped over.
• Be sure your wood or pellet stove is properly installed and up to code.
• Have wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually and regularly cleaned.
• Use a fire screen or fireplace doors to contain sparks.
• Clean your fireplace. Never allow more than one inch of buildup of soot or ash.
• Have your chimney inspected every year, even if you have a gas fireplace.
• Have a professional install a safety pilot on gas fireplaces.

 

Home Fire Safety & Prevention Tips

It’s too late to plan what to do when a fire strikes. In 30 seconds, a small flame can quickly grow out of control. To keep you and your home safe, it’s best to prepare, develop a home fire safety plan early and discuss what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.

Smoke Alarms

Be sure to place working smoke alarms in your home. This is a top method for home fire prevention. Install smoke alarms:

• Outside of every bedroom
• Inside of every bedroom with a closed door
• On every story in the house
• In the basement

Home Sprinkler Systems

Ninety percent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler.

Consider installing sprinklers in high-risk areas such as the kitchen. Home sprinkler systems provide significant protection for your family and property. They are designed so that only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire.

Fire Extinguishers

Having easy access to a fire extinguisher can significantly reduce the chance a fire spreads in your home. Consider putting a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and anywhere else you could easily access it.

 

Safeguard Your Home with Homeowners Insurance

Fire can be incredibly destructive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare yourself. By taking the right steps (which includes having enough homeowners insurance), you can help safeguard yourself, your family and your home.

 

Questions? Want to learn more? Here’s 4 easy ways to reach us:

Phone: 877-994-6787
Email: [email protected]
Text: 951-482-8144
Web: www.siaonline.com

PS Here’s a few words from one client that trusts Stromsoe Insurance Agency:

“SIA has been our trusted partner for more years than I can remember. They take care of everything – our business, rental property and all of our personal policies. They always go the extra step to make sure I am taken care of and are always there when I need assistance. Most importantly – I trust them!”
Stefani Laszko – Mythos Technology – Temecula, CA – Client Since 2007

PPS Every policy is backed by our iron clad, 100% complete satisfaction guarantee. Ask for your copy today!

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