Over the years, Alamance Farmers Mutual (AFM) has witnessed numerous fire losses from various causes. Our team is dedicated to helping policyholders restore their lives after a fire. While we can help rebuild homes, a home encompasses more than just physical structures. Policyholders, their families, pets, treasured photos, and heirlooms are irreplaceable. Fire impacts family schedules, stability, and a sense of security—often, these losses are preventable.
AFM recently featured a newsletter article about the fire risk associated with clothes dryers. This is just one type of preventable fire that affects homeowners. Fire safety and prevention is critical. Working smoke alarms ensure enough time to safely exit the home and call the fire department. Here are more prevention tips for different home fire loss causes:
Cooking Fires
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States and a common cause of AFM's fire claims.
Prevention Tips:
- Stay in the Kitchen: Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep Flammable Items Away: Ensure towels, potholders, and paper products are kept away from the stovetop.
- Monitor Cooking: Use timers and check food regularly.
- Frying Foods: Be cautious with frozen foods in hot oil; shake off ice crystals to minimize splattering.
- Grill Usage: Avoid using grills on wood decks or near the home.
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep one handy and know how to use it.
Heating Equipment Fires
Heating equipment like woodstoves and space heaters are major contributors to heating-related fire deaths.
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain Equipment: Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually.
- Space Heaters: Avoid use, especially with children or pets that can tip them over.
- Turn Off Heaters: Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Proper Clearance: Keep heating equipment away from flammable materials.
- Ash Removal: Ensure fireplace ashes are completely cooled before disposal.
- Use Properly: Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Electrical Fires
Safe electrical systems are a primary concern for homeowners, even though they might not always be top of mind.
Prevention Tips:
- Check Wiring: Ensure your home's wiring is up to date and not overloaded.
- Avoid Overloading: Don’t use extension cords for permanent wiring; avoid overloading outlets.
- Use Surge Protectors: Protect appliances from electrical surges.
- Inspect Appliances: Regularly check for frayed wires and repair or replace damaged cords.
- Replace Faulty Panels: Replace old or faulty electrical panels, such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE), Zinsco, Challenger, Pushmatic, split-bus electrical panels, and fuse boxes.
Smoking-Related Fires
Smoking materials, primarily cigarettes, are a leading cause of fatal home fires, causing an average of 560 deaths per year.
Prevention Tips:
- Smoke Outside: Ensure all cigarettes are properly extinguished.
- Use Deep, Sturdy Ashtrays: Never discard smoking materials in vegetation or flammable containers.
- Never Smoke in Bed: Avoid smoking when drowsy or in bed.
- Oxygen Tanks: Never smoke while using an oxygen tank.
Candle Fires
Fire loss from candles is easily preventable, yet candles remain a leading cause of house fires each year.
Prevention Tips:
- Use Candles Carefully: Never leave them unattended and keep them away from flammable items.
- Use Safe Holders: Place candles in sturdy holders that won’t tip over.
- Extinguish Properly: Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
Lightning Fires
Lightning continues to cause devastating fire loss. While fire loss from lightning may seem unavoidable, measures can be taken to protect homes.
Prevention Tips:
- Whole-House Surge Protection: Install a system at the electrical meter or service panel to absorb larger external surges.
- Surge Protection Devices (SPDs): Install SPDs to divert surges to the ground, protecting electronics and appliances.
- Point-of-Use SPDs: Use single-port SPDs for power-only appliances and multi-port SPDs for appliances with multiple cords.
- Tree Protection: Equip tall or nearby trees with protection systems to prevent side-flash hazards.
- Grounding System Check: Have a qualified electrician ensure your home's grounding system is functional.
Although the phrase is often associated with the field of medicine, Benjamin Franklin’s adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” originally referred to fire safety. It remains true today. Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire losses, helping protect your home and loved ones.