According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires caused over 2,500 civilian deaths and almost $7.8 billion in damages last year. It may prove impossible to prevent all home fires but, there are several measures you can take to protect your family, home and valuables from going down in flames.
- Keep it clean. Remove leaves and debris from around your home and clean out gutters. It’s also important to trim back shrubs and tree limbs that are close to your house. Dry leaves and debris, as well as overgrown shrubs and trees, are all fire hazards.
- Make sure your home is fully insured. Consult with your insurance agent to make sure your home and its contents are protected against fire loss and that you have loss-of-use coverage in case you’re not able to inhabit your home after an insurable event.
- Install fire extinguishers. Keep extinguishers near exits, in the kitchen and near the fire place, where most fires start. Be sure to read all manufacturers’ instructions on how to properly operate the device.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test these devices monthly to make sure they are working properly and replace the batteries annually.
- Take a home inventory. Make a list of everything valuable in your home and document it with photos and video.
- Protect important documents. Keep a copy of your homeowner’s policy, home inventory, and other important documents, such as passports, legal documents and birth and marriage certificates in a fireproof lockbox or at an off-site location.
- Create a home escape plan. Draw a map of your house that includes all the doors and windows and discuss a fire escape plan with all family members. Practice the escape route at least once a year.
Protect your home and everything inside of it. Call Best Insurance at 979-297-2655 for more information on homeowners, auto or commercial insurance.