While all homeowners never dream of it happening to them, experiencing fire damage in your home can happen to anyone at any time. Experiencing a partial or total loss of your home to a fire can be a mentally and emotionally draining experience, trying to recover and recuperate. It can feel hopeless trying to start over and recover your belongings and memories.
You can prevent your home from experiencing a devastating fire by ensuring you and your housemates are up to speed on all fire safety techniques and devices. Considering the following tips to guarantee your home is ready for any fire:
Consistently Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are absolute must haves in any home. Most homes come with them already installed, however if yours happens to not have one be sure to purchase new ones as soon as possible because they can and will save lives. We strongly recommend hiring a professional electrician to properly connect them to your home’s wiring. Improper installation could actually result in an electrical fire. In the event of a loss of power, many will come with a battery backup to continue running.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be regularly checked once a month. This ensures that they’re functioning properly, and everyone in the home can continually familiarize themselves with what the alarms sound like. This way, if they ever happen to hear one go off they know what to do when the time comes.
Have Your Fire Extinguisher Ready
Should your smoke detector ever go off, you should have the tools ready to suppress the fire right from the start. Your home should have a fire extinguisher readily accessible in the event of a fire. Your fire extinguisher should be placed in areas where fires are most likely to occur, such as the kitchen. We also suggest having everyone in the home familiar with how to operate a fire extinguisher. Fires are unpredictable, so knowing how and when to use a fire extinguisher is critical. To operate the fire extinguisher, just remember the PASS system:
- Pull the pin & release the locking mechanism
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the blaze
- Squeeze the level slowly
- Sweep the extinguisher laterally
NOTE: fire extinguishers DO expire. They last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, so write down the purchase date on the extinguisher to easily remember when it’s time to replace.
Review Your Home For Any Potential Hazards
When you’re living in your home, you may not realize the amount of potential fire hazards all around. From blankets to candles, to outlets and overused extension cords, your home could have a fire hazard just waiting to go off. Other potential hazards you might not consider include your dryer’s lint trap, as well as glassware left out in the sun. Review all your potential hazards and make the necessary fixes to decrease the likelihood of a fire starting.
House fires can happen, but the chances of one occurring can be reduced if managed properly. Fires in your home can bring additional damage you might not consider, such as water damage from firefighters or smoke damage to furniture and your appliances. Experiencing a house fire can be exhausting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Before contacting your insurance provider, reach out to the Barclay’s Public Adjusters team. We can help you receive the fairest claim amount possible to getting your home back. Contact us today either online or give us a call to receive your free consultation.