While home insurance can protect you in the event a fire breaks out, you should also take steps to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Proactive fire safety may even help you lower your insurance costs. Here are steps you can take to protect your family and property. 

Do:

Install smoke alarms in all the right places.

Smoke alarms are required under state law. They should be tested at least once per month. You must also make sure that alarms are positioned in key spots around your home. This includes at least one alarm on every floor — ideally in the kitchen, which is the most prone to fire — an alarm in every bedroom, and additional alarms positioned outside any sleeping areas. 

Go over your fire safety plan with the entire household. 

Establish an evacuation plan and make sure every member of your household is aware of it. You may even want to perform evacuation plans a few times a year so you can rest assured that the process will go smoothly in the event of an emergency. 

Don’t:

Leave the kitchen when cooking.

Cooking can be messy and inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous if the stove is left unattended. Make sure that someone is always in the kitchen when food is being prepared, especially when there are children in the home. Also, you should have a fire extinguisher handy. They should be inspected at least once annually and replaced every 5 to 10 years. 

Be careless with candles.

Some people use candles for holiday decor, while others use them to create a cozy, aromatic environment year-round. Unfortunately, they can prove deadly if not handled properly. Keep candles away from fabrics and other flammable materials, and extinguish them each night before you go to bed. Better yet, swap out real candles for battery-operated flameless options that provide the same look without the risk. 

With a century of experience behind them, Edwards Insurance Agency in Sparta, WI, can help you protect your home, your family, and your most precious belongings. These agents shop for home insurance products on your behalf and have access to a wide network of carriers. As a result, you’ll receive a comprehensive product that is also well within your price range. In addition to home insurance, they also offer coverage for vehicles, farms, and other types of property. Call (608) 269-4512 for more information. Visit the website to learn more about this amazing team.