 No home is immune to the risk of fires. In fact, fires are among the most frequent causes of homeowners insurance claims the most expensive types of claims altogether. Given that you probably have taken care to install smoke alarms and other security features in the home, you don’t need to be reminded of just how great this threat actually is.
On one hand, your homeowners insurance will cover the damage done by fires, since these are both unpreventable and unavoidable accidents that can arise with very little warning. Since fires can clearly be devastating, not to mention deadly, you deserve the help that quality homeowners insurance can provide to help you recover from the incident.
Still, home insurance is one piece of a massive risk management plan that you should implement to make sure your home is at a low risk of fire. Let’s take a closer look at the essential fire prevention steps you should take in your home.
Protecting Your Home Against Fire Risks
The more fire-safe your home is, the lower your chances of ever having a blaze break out. Additionally, the lower your risk of experiencing a fire, the lower your risk of ever having to file a home insurance claim for damage. The less of a risk you prove to the insurer, the lower your premiums might be. Therefore, by simply taking strong fire prevention steps in your property, you might actually be opening yourself up to long-term insurance savings potential.
Some of the practical fire-prevention steps you should take in your home might include:
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Installing smoke & carbon monoxide detectors in every room (not just in high-traffic areas). Don’t forget to change the batteries in these items every six months.
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Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, at a minimum. Also consider placing one in your bedroom, garage, near a fireplace or in other areas where you might make fires.
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Cleaning your fireplace, chimney, furnace, oven, radiators, HVAC system and other heating devices regularly so that they don’t accumulate flammable debris.
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Cleaning out your dryer’s lint filter after every load of laundry.
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Keeping candles covered and storing flammable items out of the way of fireplaces, radiators or other sources of heat.
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Never leaving any type of cooking or open flame unattended.
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Using electricity responsibly. Do not overload outlets and keep an eye out for damaged wires, electrical odors or sparks when using outlets or household appliances.
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Routinely cleaning the home to prevent the risk of accumulating dust and debris that could easily ignite into a blaze.
Additionally, if you are considering investing in a smart home alarm system, then consider one that offers a sophisticated fire alarm system. With a smart home system, you can receive an immediate mobile notification if there’s ever a fire risk in any part of your home (even when you’re not home). Plus, this device can also lead to a discount on your homeowners insurance.
Posted Tuesday, January 19 2021 8:58 AM
Tags : home insurance, fire safety
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