Colder weather is upon us and with that, we in Maryland tend to start using our fireplaces and woodstoves. In the Winter the rate of housefires increases dramatically. Keep your home safer this winter with a few preventative tips.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in the United States alone, there were over 1.3 million home fires reported in 2015. This caused an astonishing $14.3 billion dollars in property damage. The underlying point is that despite the most contemporary measures, we are unable to lessen the fires and the damage caused by them.
Out of all the reports of fires through the past year, the majority were reported in homes. With over 500,000 fires reported, structural fires caused the most fire-related deaths as well. The number of casualties went over 2,600 with triple the amount injured.
Tips To Keep Your Home Safe
There is always a risk of fire in homes, which is why we have jotted down the following list of tips. They will help you keep your family and your home safe from home fires.
Using Chimneys and Fireplaces with Caution
Although not the primary cause of fire, fireplaces and chimneys should always be used with caution. A misuse can cause a fire to break out in your home. In order to prevent that, make sure to take care of the following points:
- Only use wooden or manufactured logs in your fireplace. Anything more could add to the threat of fire.
- Do not go overboard with the fuel. Roaring fireplaces do not just add to the aesthetics of your room, but also increase the chances of mishandling.
- Make sure the area around your fireplace is clear. A crowded place poses a greater threat of nearby furnishings catching fire.
Installing Smoke Alarms
According to the American Red Cross, it is immensely important to have smoke alarms installed at several places around the house. To be specific, you should install these alarms on every single level of your house as well as in bedrooms and other sleeping areas for maximum safety.
In addition to the installation, you should also ensure they are working properly. As a rule of thumb, smoke alarms should be checked every month, and replaced every 8-10 years.
Adopting Safe Cooking Practices
One of the most common causes of home fires is unsafe cooking. This refers specifically to the handling of cooking equipment while in the kitchen. To protect your home from fires, you must always stay in the kitchen while cooking. Fire break-outs related to cooking equipment often happen when stoves and burners are left unchecked. Furthermore, also keep your pets out of the kitchen while cooking.
Becoming Immune to Fire Damage
The above-mentioned safety checks are a must to avoid home fires. However, in case one breaks out, it is important to get immunity from those rising costs of insurance. This is exactly what Freedom Insurance Agency does. We are an independent insurance agency dedicated to offering you the best insurance packages from a diverse portfolio of top notch insurance companies. For further information, feel free to call us at (410) 795-2000.
