Around 358,500 house fires occur each year in the United States, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Fires can not only cause significant damage to structures but also result in severe injuries and fatalities. More than 3,000 Americans die in fires annually, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It’s essential to understand what to do if a fire occurs in your home and how to prevent one from starting to help prevent devastating losses.

Ways to prepare for a home fire

Use the following tips to help ensure your family knows what to do in the event of a home fire:

• Test all smoke alarms monthly and replace their batteries annually.
• Teach all household members what the smoke alarms sound like and what to do if they hear one.
• Review two ways to escape from every room in the house and designate a meeting spot outside your house.
• Establish a family emergency communications plan so everyone knows where to meet.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 911.
• Educate household members on how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire.

{{richtext-cta-general-2="/components/rich-text-cta"}}

How to prevent home fires

Consider the following tips to prevent home fires:

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Do not cook if you feel tired or have been drinking alcohol.
• Keep children away from cooking areas.
• Do not smoke inside.
• Position grills at least 10 feet away from the home.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that burns.
• Extinguish candles before leaving a room or home and before falling asleep.

For additional risk management guidance, contact us today.

​

This newsletter is intended for informational use only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.