A fire can be dangerous and devastating to your home and family, as in just a matter of seconds, a small fire can engulf your entire home in flames. It is important you and your family take active steps to prevent a fire from occurring in your home. As a homeowners carrier, we would like to provide you with some important safety tips to minimize your risk of experiencing a fire, and information on what to do should a fire occur.
Reducing your risks of a home fire
There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of a fire occurring in your home. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
· Check your outlets and extension cords to make sure they are not overloaded.
· Be sure to extinguish candles when not in use. Use flashlights or flameless candles should the power go out.
· Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children and in a safe location.
· Do not smoke inside your home. Or better yet, quit smoking altogether.
· Keep flammable items in open areas and away from heat sources.
· Be sure to have a smoke alarm inside bedrooms and outside of each room of your home and test them frequently.
Fire Prevention Week
Recognized each October, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors Fire Prevention Week. Running from October 4-10, this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”. As stated by the NFPA, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. It is important you and your family take precautions to avoid a fire from occurring in your kitchen. As such, we would like to share the following safety tips:
· Never leave a hot stove unattended.
· Keep your kitchen clutter-free and objects away from stovetops and other heat sources.
· Keep a lid nearby to cover pots or pans should a grease fire occur.
· Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
For more cooking safety tips, visit the NFPA website.
Creating a Fire Escape Plan:
· Create a home fire escape plan.
· Each member of the family should know at least two ways out of every room.
· Designate a safe outside meeting place.
· Practice a home fire drill with your family at least two times a year.
What to do after a fire has taken place:
Unfortunately, accidents happen. Should a fire occur in your home, we recommend you follow these tips:
· Gather your family, including your pets, and exit your home.
· Call 911 immediately.
· As soon as it is safe to do so, report your claim via phone and/or online 24 hours a day 7 days a week, at 866-549-9672.
We hope you and your family keep these tips in mind to stay fire safe all year round. Should a fire occur, Florida Peninsula is available to assist you. If you have any questions about your policy and coverages should a fire occur, contact your agent, or call us at 877-229-2244.
