Fire damage is one of the top reasons for home insurance claims. And while the property damage caused by these events can be significant, the threats they pose to human life and safety are also a major concern. That’s why you should take the time to review the fire risks in your home and take steps to reduce them. Here’s what you should know about household fire safety.  

What Are Common Sources of House Fires?

Kitchen Accidents

Stoves, ovens, and microwaves can generate a lot of heat and cause fires to spark. To keep your cooking space safe, clean all surfaces regularly to remove flammable oil and grease. Also, never leave food unattended while cooking.

Open Flames

Smoking indoors or lighting candles exposes your home to an unsafe heat source. If a cigarette is left unattended or a candle is knocked over, the lit object could spark a fire. Prevent these risks by using battery-operated candles and making smoking an outdoor-only activity.

Electrical Problems

Old, faulty wiring and overloaded sockets are just a few causes of electrical fires. Since many electrical resources are hidden behind walls, it’s not always easy to tell where problems are until the smoke starts to build. If you suspect problems, have a qualified electrician perform an inspection.

How Can I Prepare for House Fires?

Create an Emergency Plan

Not all fires can be prevented, so it’s important for your family to know how to respond. Identify all convenient emergency exits and review the plan with everyone in your home. Perform a test run to make sure your household is prepared.

Check Your Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors can alert your family to a fire threat so that you have time to respond—and possibly prevent a fire risk from turning into a major home insurance claim. Every month, test each detector in your home to make sure all devices are functional. You should also replace the batteries once or twice a year, depending on the product’s recommendations.

Stock Up on Extinguishers

Keep fire extinguishers in areas where flames might break out, such as in the kitchen and near the fireplace. To operate these devices, pull the extinguisher’s pin and aim the nozzle toward the base of the flames. Next, squeeze the trigger to release the fire-suppressing agent and sweep from side-to-side.

As you review your fire safety and prevention needs, don’t forget to assess your home insurance with Consolidated Agency Inc in Rochester, NY. Serving homeowners throughout Monroe County, this independent insurance agency will help you build an affordable policy that adequately covers your property and belongings against fire and other standard risks. To learn more about their property insurance solutions, visit this provider online. To request a free custom quote, call (585) 467-4110.