Fire Prevention Week is October 3-9, 2021, and for this month’s blog, I thought I would touch on some Fire Safety Tips and other information that may help save your home from catching on fire and provide you information on what to do in case your home would catch on fire.
First, let’s discuss some ways to prepare in event of a house fire.
All homeowners should install the right number of smoke alarms in your home. I would suggest one in each room. You also need to test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
Choose an easy day each month that you can remember, such as the 1st of each month and easy annual date, such as Halloween or the 4th of July.
If you have children, teach them what they need to do if they hear a smoke alarm going off.
Make sure you have two ways to escape from every room of your house and make sure you have a family meeting place outside of your home. I
would recommend having practice fire drills at least twice a year.
Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 and knows your correct address to give to the emergency dispatcher.
Something else that should be taught and embedded in everyone’s minds: If their clothing should happen to catch on fire, learn to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Practice doing this when you have your practice fire drills. I know a lot of people don’t want to even think about doing this, but please remember the importance of keeping your family safe during an actual fire. Better safe than sorry.
Now that we discussed this, let’s talk about how you and your family can develop Fire-Safe Habits. If you have a smoker in the house, please take extra precautions. Smoke outside the house, never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated and if by some chance there is oxygen in the house, always smoke outside! Always keep items that catch on fire (papers, books, clothing, flammable liquids or fluids, etc.) at least three feet away from anything that gets hot (stoves, portable heaters, etc.).
Keep your children informed as to the dangers of fire, especially playing with matches. Beware of portable heaters and always turn them OFF when you leave the room or go to sleep. And that delicious-smelling candle you love so much? NEVER leave it unattended, not even for a minute, no matter how incredible it makes your house smell.
Let me touch on one more thing. Never forget about your other family members….your pets. It is vital that you help firefighters find your pets in case there is a fire. One rule of thumb is to keep your pet near the entrances of your home when you are not home. Always keep their collars on and leashes nearby, so firefighters can use them to get your animal out. Order some Pet Alert stickers and affix them on a window. Write down the number of pets inside your home too. Let’s save everyone!!
Now that we have this information, it would be the perfect time to let one of the experienced agents at Citywide Insurance review your Home’s Fire Insurance Policy. They can go over the coverage you already have and see what additional coverage may be needed. Let them explain to you all the options that are available to you in case this tragic event would ever happen to you. Let them help you prepare for fire reimbursement (taking photos of your home’s interior would help when writing inventory for a claim) and other important information that you may need. Get the peace of mind that you and your family deserve. Call Citywide today. We want to help!
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