What you can do to prevent a fire?
A house fire can be devastating. On average in 2017, a home fire occurred every 88 seconds in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Because house fires occur so frequently, it is important to assess your home in terms of fire prevention. Action Public Adjusters has put together a list of preventative tips you can take to ensure safety in your home.
Keep A Watchful Eye
Fires commonly start in the kitchen. Always keep flammable materials away from stovetop burners, and never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking on the stove.
Candles are another common cause of fire. Ensure that lit candles are kept far away from anything that might catch fire – especially curtains. Never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a moment. If you have pets or small children, keep the candle out of their reach to prevent it from being knocked over.
Simple Actions Are Important
There are other minor steps you can take during your everyday routine to prevent a house fire. After every load of laundry, be sure to clean out your dryer’s lint filter. A buildup of lint can cause your dryer to overheat and catch fire.
Overworked outlets can cause electrical fires. Look through your kitchen and try to ensure that each appliance has its own outlet, as these appliances draw a lot of electricity. Additionally, unplug electronics when they are not in use. This will prevent overheating and wearing out your outlets, which can lead to a fire.
Prepare for the Worst
A small fire is easier to put out, but the size of a fire won’t matter if you don’t own the proper equipment. Your home should be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Keep a fire extinguisher in multiple rooms around your house, especially in the kitchen and laundry room. It’s important that every member of your household understands how to operate it. You should also pay attention to the expiration date on your extinguishers, as they will not work properly if they are expired.
Your smoke alarms should be tested once a month. The alarms will not work if their batteries die, so you should change their batteries every 6 months. A good rule of thumb is to change your smoke alarm batteries whenever you turn your clocks.
Understand What To Do After A House Fire
There are many steps you can take to prevent a fire, but sometimes, a house fire will occur regardless. While recovering from the damage, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company.
However, the insurance company has its own interests in mind, so you may not get the settlement you deserve on your claim. You should consider hiring a public insurance adjuster to manage your claim. Public adjusters are licensed professionals who work for you, not the insurance company; they will provide the necessary documentation to maximize your settlement. Public insurance adjusters can help you with a fire insurance claim for residential, commercial, condominium, or investment properties.
The dangers of house fires are real, and even if no one is harmed, the destruction of personal property is often life-changing. If your home has been damaged by a house fire, contact Action Public Adjusters to let us get you the compensation you deserve.
