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A house fire of any size is devastating, which is why taking an active approach in preventing fires is so important. This spring, take some time to review this fire prevention list to make sure you're on the right track to preventing fires:
- Regularly inspect and clean any chimney flues.
- If you have a wood-burning fireplace, invest in a fireplace screen to prevent sparks.
- Check all household light bulbs and make sure to never install a bulb with a higher wattage than the maximum indicated on the fixture.
- If you haven’t done so already, install ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Keep your house, including your attic, clutter free.
- Never leave lighted candles unattended.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home. Check batteries every spring and fall.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and make sure it is not expired.
- Ensure your garage has a fire-resistant, self-closing door.
- Never store gasoline, solvents or any flammable materials near your furnace or in your garage or in your home.
- Check your fuses and circuit breakers to ensure they are working properly.
- If your home has a heating boiler, have it inspected and cleaned frequently. Do not block the air vent or damper.
- If your home has an oil tank, have it periodically inspected to ensure it is airtight.
- Remove lint from the lint trap of your clothes dryer after every cycle and keep the exhaust vent clean.
- Regularly clean leaves and debris from the outside walls of your home.
- Avoid using extension cords, and if an extension cord is needed, never run it under a rug.
- In the kitchen: regularly remove greasy build-up from the range hood and the filters.
- Keep curtains pulled away from any heating elements on the stove.
- Don’t leave outdoor fire pits unattended.
- Protect your home by ensuring you have the appropriate home insurance.
A home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime, so it’s crucial that people have the proper insurance coverage for it. Contact a OTC Insurance Broker for more information on the best home insurance policy for your home.
