Fire Prevention and Safety Tips to Avoid Filing Fire Insurance Claims

The typical homeowner's policy includes fire insurance and additional damage due to wind and lightning. If your home has been completely destroyed by a fire or if the roof has been burned, your insurance company will pay to have your home rebuilt or to have the roof replaced. It will also pay if flames and smoke have damaged any other part of your home.

The most common cause of damage to a home is fire. Most fires are started on the home’s premises and could have easily been prevented. Review the following prevention and safety tips that will help protect your family, your investment and your fire insurance rate.

Smoke Alarms – “Essential” Outweighs “Annoying”

A working smoke alarm doubles the chances of surviving a fire in your home. Homeowners should have a working smoke alarm on every floor of the home and should test the alarm frequently.

Many homeowners disassemble their smoke alarms temporarily because its sensitivity may cause the alarm to be set off by smoke emitted while baking or cooking. This is never a good idea – many people unknowingly damage the alarm during disassembly or forget to reactivate it.

Fire Sprinklers

Installing a sprinkler system coupled with functioning smoke alarms will greatly enhance protection of your family and property. Installing a fire sprinkler system also can increase the value of your property and lower your home insurance rate.

Electrical Fires

Many fires are started by overloaded circuits and extension cords. To avoid this, purchase cords with higher-surge protection. Also, immediately shut off and unplug appliances that spark or emit unusual odors.

Cooking Hazards

Every year, more than 100,000 home fires start in the kitchen. Two out of every five fatalities caused by home-cooking fires are the result of unattended cooking. Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended. Also, be sure to keep all flammable objects, including your clothing, away from the stove.

Outdoor grilling is also a leading cause of home fires. Read the grill manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using a coal or propane grill and keep the grill away from the house, deck, shrubbery and anything else that could ignite easily.

Fire Extinguishers

Well-placed fire extinguishers are essential to suppressing small blazes before they get out-of-hand. There should be at least one extinguisher on each floor of your home, especially near or in the kitchen and garage. Make sure all family members know where the extinguishers are located and how to use them. In addition, remember that extinguishing visible flames does not mean the fire is completely out. Smoke and fire can access, significantly damage and spread through areas not visible (i.e., the attic). It is always best to call the fire department, even if you think you put the fire out completely.

“Call” Before You “Do!”

Before making any significant additions or renovations to your home, call your insurance company. Tell them of your plans and explain the materials that will be used. Your insurance company can advise you on additional risks the new additions may pose to your property and the effect – positively or negatively – on your home insurance rate.

Find the fire insurance policy that fits your needs – start shopping today and get your free online homeowners insurance quotes.