Did you know that there were more than 350,000 home fires reported to the National Fire Protection Association in 2016? While you may be used to protecting your home against inclement weather here in Wisconsin, fire safety should be a high priority as well. As your trusted insurance agency, we want to help make sure your home and loved ones are protected in the event of a fire. In addition to investing in a great home insurance policy, it’s much easier to protect your home from fires when you know how to avoid them in the first place.
Top 7 Common Causes of Home Fires in the US
1. Candles
Candles are a great option for adding a bit of warmth and decoration to any room in your home. But they should always be used with caution. Always make sure candles are lit away from furniture and curtains on a fire-safe surface. Additionally, even though you may be tempted to step away from the room for a moment, candles should never be left burning unattended.
2. Cooking Accidents
The kitchen is the center of the home for many families across the US, but it is also a prime location for a fire to break out. Help avoid kitchen fires by always keeping hand towels, paper towels, and pot holders far away from the stove as you cook. Grease fires are also common in the kitchen but should never be extinguished with water. Prevent the fire from growing by smothering the flames or use a fire extinguisher instead.
3. Portable Heaters
During the long Wisconsin winter, it is very common for homeowners to use portable space heaters to heat individual rooms in the home. This is a great way to cut back on your energy usage and save money. Space heaters must be set-up away from furniture and other flammables. Additionally, they should never be left running in a room while unattended.
4. Electrical Overloads
If you overload your electrical outlets, the chances of sparks flying are very high. Remember to only plug in one large appliance to an outlet at a time to avoid overloading. You should also pay close attention to how you use extension cords in the home as well. Never overload extension cords and be sure to avoid running the cords underneath furniture or rugs.
5. Flammable Liquids
Many common household cleaning solutions are flammable, so it’s a good idea to make sure that anyone in your home that uses them knows how to store them away properly. If you are a DIY kind of homeowner, chances are you may also have other flammable liquids like paint, solvents, and oils around the house as well. Be sure to put them away after each use and clean or dispose of any dirty rags as well.
6. Dryer Vents
Cleaning out the dryer vents after each load of laundry is finished may not seem like a big deal but if you want to help prevent fires from breaking out in your home, it definitely is. When the extreme heat from the dryer comes into contact with leftover lint from your clothing, it can very quickly ignite. So don’t forget to clean them out regularly.
7. Outdoor Fires
When barbecue season comes around, be sure to use your grill at a safe distance from your home and other outdoor structures. And clean the grill regularly to prevent grease fires from erupting as well.
Invest in Total Home Insurance Protection
Want to learn more about the benefits of a comprehensive home insurance policy? Visit Heinen & Associates online for more information and don’t forget to request a free quote today.
