Seven Steps to Prevent Fires In Your Home

As the weather starts to get colder, more people begin to light fires and turn on their heaters. While this can warm you up, it can also place you at an increased risk of a preventable house fire, if you are not careful. Here are seven steps you should take to prevent fires from occuring inside your home:

• Check your smoke detectors

1. 1. • Smoke detectors may not directly prevent fires, but they can alert you if a fire is happening when you do not notice. Checking your smoke detector can help you respond quickly to a fire, limiting damage to your home and potentially saving your life.

• Clean your chimney

1. 1. • Chimneys can easily become clogged with soot and ash after persistent use. If you intend to use your fireplace, make sure your chimney is cleaned to prevent embers from going into your home and starting a fire.

• Keep a fire extinguisher near sources of fire

1. 1. • Any place in your home that you regularly light fires, such as your kitchen or living room, should have a fire extinguisher nearby. You should make sure it is up to date, and replace it if it has expired.

• Keep flammable materials away from high heat

1. 1. • Flammable materials like wood and cloth can easily start house fires if left near sources of high heat. This can include things like stoves and ovens, but also electrical heaters and certain electronics.

• Do not overload electrical sockets

1. 1. • Electrical sockets are typically only meant to have a certain amount of electricity going through them at once. Putting too many electronics in the same socket, using things like extension cords or surge protectors, can potentially cause a short circuit that can start an electrical fire.

• Keep candles on stable surfaces

1. 1. • Candles can set a nice ambience, and add nice smells to your home. If they are left on unstable surfaces, however, they can easily tip over and start house fires.

• Keep portable heaters unobstructed

1. • If you are using a portable heater, you should make sure it is far enough from the wall or other obstructions to ensure a free flow of air. Otherwise, it can potentially get hot enough to start a fire.

 

Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.