How To Prevent House Fires
Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14, 2023). This year, Bankers Insurance is focusing on the most frequent causes of fire-related losses and sharing tips compiled by Travelers Insurance to help safeguard you and minimize fire losses.
Faulty wiring and outlets rank among the leading contributors to house fires.
- Regularly inspect electrical cords for any signs of fraying and replace damaged ones.
- Avoid covering or pinching electrical cords with objects like rugs.
- Be mindful of your home’s electrical capacity to prevent overloading circuits; consult a licensed electrician for guidance if needed.
- Differentiate between surge protectors and power strips; use surge protectors to safeguard valuable electronics from power spikes, such as computers and televisions.
Negligence in the kitchen can also result in a house fire.
- Never leave pots or pans on the stove unattended.
- Ensure you have a fire extinguisher within reach and know how to operate it.
- Maintain a clean stove and oven to prevent food splatter or grease buildup from igniting when cooking.
Dryers are another common source of house fires.
- When installing your own dryer vent, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and use the recommended duct material. If you’re uncertain about the correct installation procedure, it’s wise to seek professional assistance.
- Regularly clear your dryer vent.
- Remember to clean the lint filter after every load.
- Lint can also accumulate underneath and behind your dryer, so be sure not to overlook these areas.
Alternative heating sources can also create fire hazards.
- Avoid using older space heaters.
- Keep space heaters away from furniture, curtains, or flammable objects.
- When installing an alternative heating system like a wood or pellet stove, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you’re uncertain about the installation process, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.
- Before installing a wood or pellet stove, verify that it complies with laws and regulations.
Dirty chimneys also pose a fire hazard.
- Schedule an annual chimney inspection with a certified chimney sweep from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Ensure that your chimney is professionally cleaned and repaired.
- Only use seasoned wood for your fireplace.
- Never ignite cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash, or tree branches in your fireplace.
For more information, contact your Bankers Insurance agent. They will help determine your risks and advise how to cover them. Not a client of ours? Let us compete for your business! Each of our clients is assigned a personal insurance agent and provided their email address as well as a phone number that rings right on their desk.
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