Are you prepared for a Fire?

To reduce your risk of fire damage, prepare now to protect your family, home and property. Most house fires start with the barbecue, fireplace or electrical objects, but if you live in an arid part of the country, you should also guard against brush fires. Ask yourself these questions:

• Are roofs, gutters and chimneys cleaned and inspected regularly?
• Do you prune trees and shrubs and keep a 20-30 foot safety zone around your home?
• Are paint, gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials stored safely?
• Do you have smoke detectors near sleeping areas and on each level of your home?
• Do you test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries every six months?
• Does each family member know where your fire extinguisher is kept and how to use it?
• Is your home and nearest water source well-marked and are access routes cleared for emergency services?
• Do you have fire fighting tools such as ladder, hose, and pails ready?
• Does your family know "What to do in case of fire"?

Steps To Follow After A Fire

• Before you clean up or make repairs, take photos or make a videotape of all damaged property.
• Cover broken windows and holes in your roof and walls and do what you can to salvage and protect appliances and equipment.
• Identify any structural damage to home or other buildings.
• Report claims to your insurance agent promptly.
• Have electrical system and other utilities checked by a professional before re-using.
• Separate items that have been smoke damaged and vacuum to remove odor and grit.
• Have smoke or water-damaged carpets, furniture, clothing professionally cleaned.
• Collect inventory records, appraisals and photographic records to help document loss.
• Get bids for repairs from licensed contractors and other professionals.
• Look for ways to better prepare your home for fire as you repair or rebuild.
• Review your family disaster plan and see how you can help to improve disaster planning in your community.

See also:

• Preparing for Disasters
• Are you prepared for a Flood?
• Four Steps to Fire Safety
• Are you prepared for an Earthquake?
• Are you prepared for a Hurricane?
• Protect your home against wildfire damage
• Home alone - protecting your home
• Power surges: How to protect valuable electronic equipment
• How to handle a kitchen fire
• How to insure a home business

You might also consider :

• Homeowners policies
• Condo/Townhouse insurance
• Mobile/Manufactured insurance
• Renters insurance
• Rental Property insurance
• Second Home insurance
• Home Warranty insurance