Stay informed to reduce your risk for a house fire with this information.
House fires are a serious risk to the safety of your home and your family. They can happen at any time for various reasons and are more common than you may think. In fact, a recent study conducted by The Hartford using survey data and the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System found that one in eight Americans has experienced a house fire. Learn more about house fires so that you can reduce your risk for an incident.
Common Causes of House Fires:
There are numerous reasons why a house fire occurs. The most common causes according to the study are 1) electrical related fires, which accounts for 26% of fires, 2) candle incidents which accounts for 12%, and 3) cooking accidents which accounts for 25% of house fires. In addition to these alarming statistics, the National Fire Protection Association reports that nearly one-third of fires are caused by children between the ages of six and nine years old.
House Fire Losses:
House fires are incredibly destructive. Not only do they cause property damage, but they also cause injury and even death. House fires caused over 14 billion dollars in property damages, 15,700 injuries, and 3,280 deaths in 2015 according to the National Fire Protection Association.
House Fire Prevention:
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk for a house fire.
- Install smoke detectors and CO2 detectors throughout your home and ensure that you test the alarms and change the batteries at least twice a year. Another option is hiring an alarm company to install and monitor a Central Station fire alarm. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about policy premium credits if you have an alarm system in your home.
- Install an interior sprinkler system and advise your insurance agent in order to realize a policy premium credit.
- Keep fire extinguishers handy throughout the house, especially in the kitchen, BBQ area and the garage.
- Prevent kids from playing with flammable items such as candles and stove knobs.
- Update or review your home’s electrical wiring.
- Create a fire escape plan and review it often with your family members so everyone is prepared.
Protect your home and your family. We will review your homeowners insurance, contact your team at Hoffman Brown Company in Sherman Oaks, California.
