WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020
When you buy a home, it’s critical to know how to protect it. After all, if you neglect the property then you might face significant damage risks, any of which could prove financially devastating. One of the most prevalent and catastrophic damage risks present in any and all homes is the risk of fire. Whether from lightning strikes, wiring or heating issues, or mistakes made by the owner, fires can start easily, spread quickly and be hard to control. 
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that an average of 350,000 home structure fires occur each year in the United States, and these blazes cause an estimated $6.9 billion in property damage. Rather than letting yourself become another statistic, it’s always easier to always take practical fire prevention steps. Consider just a few of these, and how they can be of benefit to your family.
Preventing Fires in Your Home
We are quickly approaching autumn, which means that you will likely use more electricity and heat than you did during the summer. These systems often increase fire risks with every use. There is no way to prevent all fire risks in your home, but you can keep them as minimal as possible with a few easy practices.
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Have your heating, gas and electrical systems regularly inspected and repaired. Keep an eye out for sparks, flickering lights, or strange odors when using these systems.
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If you have a fireplace and chimney, clean them annually before using them.
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Never place combustible items near radiators, lit candles, outlets or other heat sources.
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Do not leave lit candles, stoves or portable heaters burning alone. Always stay nearby these items so that you can turn them off if necessary.
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When you do laundry, clean out your lint screen with every load. If you let lint accumulate, then a fire could easily spark in.
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Clean out your oven approximately every six months so that it doesn’t accumulate grease and charred food that could act as fuel. Always clean your stovetop after every use.
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Do not overload outlets and use the appropriate wattage in all bulbs.
Though simple, these safety steps can substantially reduce fire risks throughout your home. In the end, they’ll make your property much more secure, and that can reduce your risk not only to yourself but also to your home insurer.
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that approximately one in 350 insured homeowners will make a claim for fire or lightning damage, and the average claim costs more than $79,000. These are some of the most expensive claims you can make on your homeowners insurance. The more you do to protect your property against fire risks to begin with, the less you will have to worry about ever having to make a claim in the first place.
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