Home Fire Prevention and Safety Tips

Fire Prevention Week is observed annually on the week of October 9th. We recognize the importance of taking fire safety precautions and making efforts to decrease the number of fire occurrences and casualties.

Home fires are a huge perpetrator of this concern. According to a 2020 report by NFPA, “More than one-quarter (27%) of reported fires in 2014-2018 occurred in homes.” DRO Insurance aims to equip you with fire prevention tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe.

Fire Prevention Tips

1. Check on your electric outlets and cords. You’ll want to make sure that your electrical outlets are working properly, and that your cords are not overwhelming the socket. Make sure outlets are not covered by debris, and that cords are not running in places that may cause an electrical fire. 
2. Did you remember to turn the oven off? You’d be surprised how often this happens. Kitchen appliances have been a big culprit in many house fires. Keep flammable objects away from the stove, and make sure to keep an eye out on anything you may be cooking.  It’s also important to make sure your appliances are up-to-date as old appliances may be more susceptible to starting a fire.
3. Candle fire prevention. If you are lighting candles, you’ll want to follow these safety precautions. Do not light candles near flammable objects and keep them out of reach of small children. If you are burning a candle, make sure that you blow it out before you leave it out of sight, or go to sleep.
4. Fireplace fire safety. The colder months are the perfect time to get a roaring fire going (safely, of course). If you’re lighting a fire in your home, be sure to keep the area around the fireplace clear of any flammable object. Never leave a fire unattended. And don’t forget to get your chimney swept! 
5. Space heater fire prevention. As the colder months start approaching, so does the need for heat. If you are using a space heater, make sure that you are taking fire safety precautions. Do not leave your space heater unattended, and even consider purchasing one with automatic shut off. You’ll also want to make sure that it is plugged into a wall outlet, and not near anything that is flammable.

Fire Safety Tips

• Make sure smoke detectors are working properly and placed on every level of your home.
• Equip your house with a fire extinguisher in the case of an emergency.
• Have an evacuation plan for you and your family should a fire start in your home.

Should a fire occur in your home, Dayton Ritz + Osborne Insurance is here to help you. Your home is not worth your life, we will be here to help with the aftermath. Our homeowners insurance will allow you to rebuild with as little hassle as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our homeowners policies and coverages.

Disclaimer

The above description provides a brief overview of the term and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy or full details about coverage. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract. If there is any conflict between these definitions and the provisions of the applicable insurance policy, the terms of the policy control.