Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, but that’s not the only thing roasting this season. Did you know that half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February? As the temperature falls, you can take several preemptive measures to prevent a fire claim during the holiday season. 

5 Fire Safety Tips: 

  1. Space Heater: NEVER leave it unattended if you utilize a space heater.  
  • If you use a space heater while sleeping, buy one with an automatic shut-off feature. 
  • Avoid connecting your space heater to an extension cord; it should be directly plugged into the wall socket. 
  1. Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, a professional must regularly clean and inspect it before use. 
  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from any heat source.  
  • Regardless of whether it’s your heating system, fireplace, or wood-burning stove, a single spark landing on your rug or drapes can ignite a fire. 
  1. Fire and Smoke Detectors: Check the batteries of your fire and smoke detectors. 
  • Inspect your fire and smoke alarms, In case of a disaster, this could provide the alert necessary to ensure your family’s safety. 
  1. Home Fire Drills: Practice home fire drills. 
  • Having a fire escape plan is especially important if you have children or family that may need physical assistance. 
  1. Carbon Monoxide Safety: It is important to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. This deadly gas is colorless and odorless and is responsible for the deaths of over 150 people in the US each year.  
  • Appliances that burn fuel can emit carbon monoxide; hence, if such devices are present in your house, it’s strongly advised to have smoke detectors that can also warn you about the presence of carbon monoxide. 

In the event of an emergency, after you have called the fire department and ensured your own safety, take a moment to breathe and collect yourself. When you call your insurance agent, inform them of the situation and provide any details you have. They can guide you from there. Keep and photograph all receipts from now on so that additional living expenses can be reviewed for reimbursement. 

If you need to file a claim, make sure to call us first!  

Call 757-448-3820  for our dedicated Claims Advocacy team to help walk you through this process.