Fire losses occur more often than you may think, in 2024, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.38 million fires in the United States. These fires caused an estimated 3,920 civilian fire deaths and 11,780 reported civilian fires injuries. The property damage caused by these fires was estimated at $19 billion. Your home is more than just a structure, it’s where memories are made, milestones are celebrated, and life happens every day. One of the most serious threats to your home is also one of the most preventable. Many of these fires can be prevented with simple awareness and proactive steps. As your preferred homeowner’s insurance company, we believe prevention is the first and most important layer of protection. Before you fire up the grill, light the fireplace, or even turn on the stove, read through these essential fire prevention tips. 

Kitchen Fire Safety 

Cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home. Most kitchen fires are a result of a lack of attention. To prevent your home from being destroyed by a kitchen fire, never leave the stove or oven unattended. Keep flammable items like towels, oven mitts, and paper products away from burners and hot surfaces. Always keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires because the best way to stop a grease fire is by cutting off the oxygen to the fire. If a fire does start in your kitchen and you cannot quickly control it, get everyone out and call 911 immediately. 

Electrical Fire Safety

Electrical fires are often hidden hazards, starting behind walls or in overloaded outlets. The best way to try and avoid electrical fires is by avoiding overloading outlets or power strips. Another way to prevent electrical fires is by replacing frayed or damaged cords immediately, using light bulbs with the correct wattage, having a licensed electrician inspect older homes with outdated wiring. If your lights flicker frequently or you notice a burning smell, have it checked out right away. 

 

Home Heating Safety

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of house fires in the winter months. You should always maintain at least a 3-foot clearance around space heaters. Turn off portable heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep. Make sure you have your heating system inspected and chimney swept at least once a year.

Candles and Open Flames

Candles, cigarettes, and other open flames inside the home are one of the leading causes of house fires. Never smoke inside your home, “research shows smoking materials caused 13,900 home fires in a single year.” Switch to flameless candles, and if you must use candles with a flame, never leave them unattended, and be sure to extinguish the flame before leaving the room. Keep matches and lighters stored in a safe place and out of reach of children. You should always keep lit candles and any other open flames at least 12 inches away from anything flammable like curtains, bedding, and books. 

Storing Flammable Materials

Gasoline, propane, and other flammable liquids should always be stored safely in a well-ventilated area away from living spaces. Allow grills to cool completely before storing. 

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. Remember to replace batteries as needed. Most smoke detectors will beep when batteries need to be replaced, but as a rule of thumb you should replace batteries at least twice a year. Make sure that smoke alarms are installed at every level of your home, including the basement if you have one.

 

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

Every household should have a fire escape plan and everyone should know it. Your plan should: 

• Identify two exits from every room
• Establish a meeting spot outside
• Include a plan for pets
• Practice your plan at least twice a year

When you walk through your escape plan, make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. Choose an outdoor meeting place that is a safe distance from your home. Perhaps a neighbor’s house, stop sign, or light post that is easily identifiable is a good option for a meeting place, as long as that place is at least 50 feet or more away from the main structure. 

Important Fire Prevention Items to Keep in Your Home

• Fire Extinguisher

  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS: 
    • Pull the pin
    • Aim low
    • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
    • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side

• Fire Blanket

  • It can be used to smother a small fire or to protect individuals from open flames by wrapping them around themselves.

• Fire-Resistant Safe

• Stove-Top Suppression Device

  • By installing one of these under the vent hood of your stove you are protecting yourself in the event a fire starts. The device will release a powder that extinguishes the fire if it senses flames.

• A Garden Hose

  • To put out small fires either inside or outside by putting them out. Never put water on an electrical or grease fire. 

Fire safety equipment only works if it’s accessible, maintained, and you know how to use it. Every homeowner should review their equipment annually and ensure everyone in the household understands the basics of how to respond to a fire. 

What to Do if a Fire Starts in Your Home

When a fire starts, you may not have much time to escape. There is no time to grab valuables or think about what to do next, that’s why preparation is critical. Immediately evacuate if a fire starts in your home. Stay low to avoid smoke and if your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Once you are a safe distance away from the structure call 9-1-1. Even if the fire seems small, always involve the fire department. Fires can spread quickly and reignite at a moment’s notice. Finally, do not re-enter your home for any reason until the fire department deems it is safe to do so.