Fire Tips

Did you know:

  • A residential fire occurs in the United States every 67 seconds.
  • Accidents related to cooking usually cause more residential fires than any other known cause.
  • Careless smoking is the leading known cause of residential fire deaths.
  • Arson is the No. 1 cause of nonresidential fires.

Before a Fire:

  • Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.
  • Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home.
  • Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month.
  • Replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year.
  • Install a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter.
  • Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
  • Select a location outside your home to serve as meeting place after escaping.
  • Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

After a Fire:

  • Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
  • Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
  • Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
  • Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
  • Keep all receipts.
  • Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
  • Take photos of damaged areas.
  • Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
  • Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.
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Information provided courtesy of Independent Insurance Agents of America


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Last updated: 01/28/2005