Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association reported more than 1.1 million fires in the United States during 2016? Their information also shows that more than 350,000 of those fires started in the home. While it is normal for Kansas homeowners to protect their home against inclement weather, fire safety is also very important. As your trusted local independent insurance agency, we want to help make sure you and your loved ones are protected from the worst. In addition to investing in great home insurance coverage, following a few simple safety steps can go a long way.
Top 7 Home Fire Risks You Should Know About
1. Cooking Accidents
Even the most experienced home chefs can accidentally start a kitchen fire. As you prepare food for your loved ones, remember always to keep hand towels, paper towels and pot holders away from the stove top. Grease fires are also common and can spread quickly. Never try to put them out with water but instead smother the flames or use a fire extinguisher.
2. Candles
Candles look great, smell even better and are a great way to create a cozy atmosphere in any room. However, candles cause thousands of house fires each year. Never burn a candle on anything aside from a fire-safe surface or containers. And remember, you should never leave a candle burning unattended.
3. Portable Heaters
Using portable space heaters around the house is a really good way to reduce your energy usage and lower your heating bills in the winter. But they should be used with caution. Always set up your space heaters well away from furniture and other flammable items. Additionally, make sure that everyone in the house knows not to leave them running unattended.
4. Electrical Overload
If you have a room in your home with limited electrical outlets, you may be tempted to simply set up a few extension cords to get the job done. While this can be a great temporary fix, extension cords should not be used for prolonged periods or overloaded with too many appliances. If an outlet becomes overloaded, it can easily spark and cause a fire.
5. Smoking Materials
Careless smoking is another leading cause of house fires each year. If you smoke inside, make sure the bedroom is off-limits and never forget to extinguish your cigarette or cigar properly. Never place ashtrays on or near anything flammable like curtains or tablecloths. When smoking outdoors, always dispose of smoking materials in a fire-safe container.
6. Dryer Vents
When lint builds up in your dryer vents, it can very easily ignite while the appliance is running. To prevent this common fire danger, be sure to clean out your dryer vent after every load is finished drying. Additionally, cleaning out the vents will help to boost the overall performance of your dryer.
7. Outdoor Cooking
Once the warmer weather finally hits, it is time to break out your grill. Just remember that even though it’s okay to store your grill near your house during the off-season, it should be moved away from the house or other structures when in use.
Invest in Total Insurance Protection Today
The first line of defense against home fires is a good insurance policy. Want to learn more about the benefits of comprehensive home insurance coverage? Visit Integrity Insurance online for more information and be sure to request a quote today.
