It’s a good time to go over fire prevention basics. Take some time and go over these important fire prevention tips with your family and friends.

1. Use Care when Cooking

Many house fires start in the kitchen and involve hot grease. 17% of direct property damage, $1.1 billion, are from cooking-related residential fires. Here are some fire prevention tips for the kitchen and other cooking areas:

  • Keep an eye on kids in the kitchen
  • Turn off the stove or oven when you get called away
  • Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or any room with a hot plate or microwave
  • Store a fire extinguisher close to outdoor cooking areas

2. Smoke Alarms

Another fire prevention tip is to install smoke alarms. It’s best to have smoke alarms on every floor of your home and an additional one in the kitchen. Make a schedule and remind yourself to check the batteries once a month and test the alarm. No matter what, the batteries need to be changed every six months. You can use the old ones again in any small device, such as a TV remote. However, the batteries in the smoke alarms need to always be fresh. Consider getting an alarm that flashes lights and vibrates if anyone in the house is hard of hearing.

3. Have a Plan

Everyone in your family should know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Make sure children understand that their safety comes first. They can’t run inside for stuffed animals or a favorite toy. Go over any escape routes for each part of the house. The children need to know how to pop out window screens on second story floors. Think about investing in simple ladders and showing the kids how to attach them to the window sill. Practice the escape plans, including the alarms going off, so it will be less scary if it happens in real life.

4. Use Appliances Safely

Appliance safety is a major fire prevention tip. Appliances have the manufacturer recommended clearance. These include:

  • Stoves
  • Ovens
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers

Outdoor grills, cookers, and fryers, for example, need to be at least three feet away from your house and bushes. Be careful to not max out any power cord capacities or use extension cords unsafely.  Roughly 3,300 home fires originate from unsafe extension cords uses each year.

5. Store Flammables Properly

Don’t store gasoline in living spaces. It should be kept in a well-ventilated garage or shed. Gas should also be stored in a container that has been approved for gasoline storage.  Oil soaked rags should be properly disposed of, along with other chemicals. This is because the warmer temperatures in Florida can cause vapors and gases to build up and increase fire hazards.

6. Be Cautious with Open Flame

Candle fires cause about $374 million in estimated direct property damage every year. When thinking about fire prevention, make sure candles are set on an even surface if you use them in your home. It will make it more difficult for a dog or child to knock one over. Keep them away from furniture or drapes as well. Lastly, extinguish them before you go to bed.

You can help avoid home fires and stay safer if one happens by reviewing fire prevention and safety tips annually. However, if you do experience fire damage to your home, give Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting a call. We will work closely with your insurance company to help you receive the highest claim payout possible. Don’t wait. Call today.