How to Prevent a Fire Loss
Fires in homes cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year. To avoid adding your home to that long list of fire losses, you can follow just a few simple steps. Make sure your entire family knows what to do in the event of a fire, and develop an evacuation plan.
- Make sure existing smoke detectors are working properly and that they have fresh batteries at least twice a year. Smoke detectors have a test button that you can press with a broom handle to test the alarm. Test your smoke detectors once a month.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and filled at all times. Your local fire department may offer fire extinguisher inspections. Also keep a box of baking soda accessible solely for grease fires. Water causes grease fires to spread, but baking soda smothers the flames.
- Store matches and lighters in a high cupboard, especially if you have children in the house. Make sure you educate your children about leaving matches alone, and do not leave candles lit and accessible to children or pets.
- Do not use appliances with frayed cords. Either repair or replace the cord if you intend to keep the appliance. Also do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
- Keep kitchen towels and potholders away from stove burners and do not leave the oven or stove on when you are away.
- Give space heaters ample room to operate. Keep bedding, blankets and other flammable items away from space heaters. Most newer models of space heaters contain an auto-off mechanism that turns the heater off if it knocks over.
- Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in containers designed to store these liquids. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat as much as possible, but leave them in a storage shed or garage.