A house fire is probably the last thing on your mind – but if one were to happen, are you confident that your home is safe? While you might not be able to stop the fire, there are several ways that you can make your home fire safe, to prevent one from happening in the first place.
We’ve broken down some crucial steps that you can take to make your home fire safe, and make sure your home and belongings are protected.
The first step is to ensure any risk of fire is mitigated. Below is a list of ways to prevent a fire from occurring in the first place:
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Install smoke alarms
Smoke alarms will alert you to any smoke that could be from a fire before it spreads too far, giving you time to evacuate and call for help. Make sure you have smoke alarms installed on every floor of your home, and test them regularly to ensure they are working properly.
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Have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your house
If there is a small flame that is ignited, having a fire extinguisher easily accessible can put out a small fire before it burns into a larger, more destructive one. You should have one for each floor in your home to act quickly in the event of an emergency.
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Keep flammable materials away from heat sources
Flammable materials, such as paper, clothing, curtains and furniture, can ignite easily if they come into contact with heat sources such as stoves, heaters or candles. Keep these materials away from heat sources to reduce the risk of a fire.
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Use appliances safely
If electrical appliances are not used or stored properly they can be a fire hazard. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance and unplug appliances when not in use.
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Be careful with open flames
Candles, fireplaces and other open flames can be a fire hazard if not used safely. Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from flammable materials, pets, or small children.
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Have a fire escape plan
Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do in case of a fire. Have a plan for evacuation and practice it regularly so everyone knows what to do.
Some fires are inevitable and can happen even when the above steps are taken. This is where your home insurance policy comes into play. Don’t let a difficult time become even more difficult – make sure your home and belongings are protected in the unfortunate event of a fire.
Home insurance typically covers damage to your home and personal property caused by fire, smoke, lightning, and other instances. It may also cover the cost of temporary housing and additional living expenses if you are forced to leave your home while it is being repaired.
When choosing a home insurance policy, it is important to consider the coverage limits and deductibles. Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount your policy will pay for a covered loss, while deductibles refer to the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. It is also important to read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
By taking proactive steps to prevent fires and being prepared in case of an emergency, you can reduce the risk of a fire and minimize the damage if one does occur. Ensure you are adequately covered by your home insurance policy.
Interested in learning more? Connect with one of our insurance brokers today for a free, no obligation quote.
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