How to Protect Your Home from Fire Hazards
Did you know that fire is among the most terrifying and lethal accidents that can destroy a home? As per the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 365,500 home fires occurred in the United States in 2015, resulting in 2,650 civilian deaths and over $7 billion in property damage. Because fires can cause you to need the help of a public insurance claims adjuster in Orlando, FL, you will want to do everything you can to prevent them from occurring. These are a few ways to protect your home from the theft of fire hazards.
Avoid Smoking Indoors
Most smoking-related fires start inside the home, often from soft furnishings, bedding, or mattresses. Always smoke outside and completely extinguish cigarettes in an ashtray when done. Before tossing cigarettes, soak them in water. Because of the explosive properties of medical oxygen, smoking should never be permitted in any home where it is used.
Use Candles with Precaution
Make sure to blow out your candles before leaving a room and keep them away from bedspreads and other objects. If you find yourself getting sleepy, blow off the candle. Never place them on an uneven surface, such as carpet, as they are prone to tipping over. If you have pets, keep lit candles out of their reach.
Restrict Your Pets
In the moments you are not at home, keep pets, especially new, untrained pets, in a separate area or a safe room where they can't confuse electrical cords for chew toys or a bathroom. This will also keep your pets from nesting in tight spots, such as the refrigerator motor.
Store Inflammable Substances Properly
Cleaning products, and cosmetics such as hairspray and shaving cream, could be hazardous. They can explode if exposed to high levels of heat source. Keep them away from heating systems and store them securely in a cool place.
Safely Use Household Appliances
Since frayed or faulty wires can cause a fire, it is critical to use safe appliance cords. Perform regular checks around your home and replace any damaged cables. Never overload extension cords or wall sockets, or place cables under furniture or rugs. Furthermore, do not try to force a three-slot plug into a two-slot outlet. If a light switch or electrical outlet is extremely hot or discolored, turn off the power and replace it.
Check Lighting and Lamps
Wrongly installed light fixtures and lamps cause numerous electrical fires. Ensure that hanging lights are correctly insulated from wood paneling or ceiling joists. Place portable lamps on a solid and non-tippable base. Use the recommended wattage bulbs and choose well-fitting lampshades. Consider switching to LED bulbs, which produce less heat than halogen or incandescent bulbs.
Invest in Fire Insurance
In case of a fire at home, an insured homeowner can make insurance claims for property replacement, repair, or reconstruction costs for fire-related damage and losses. This will protect you in the event of a fire in your property.
These are a few of the ways that you can protect your home from fire hazards. If you suffer from a fire on your property that has caused extensive damage to your property or loss of belongings, you will want the help of a public insurance claims adjuster in Orlando, FL. Contact us to hear how we can help you today.
