Mobile Home Fire Safety

A study of mobile home fires found the number one cause of accidental mobile home fires to be inadequate maintenance of the home's mechanical system. Other frequent causes: carelessness and accidents.

Develop safe storage habits:

Storing all matches and lighters out of the reach of children can prevent a tragedy. Fires caused by a homeowner's carelessness, such as a grease fire or a fire that started because flammable liquids were stored inside the home, are also preventable..

• Keep flammable paints, supplies, glues, varnishes and sprays away from all living areas.
• Keep antidotes for cleaning products and other poisons posted where these items are stored.
• Never place combustible material under your home - that includes bales of hay or straw.

Fire extinguishers

Keep one fire extinguisher in the kitchen and another near the furnace. Small home fire extinguishers operate for only five to ten seconds, so be sure of your aim.

Smoke detectors

Mobile homes built since 1976 come equipped with smoke detectors. If your home doesn't have smoke detectors, you need one high on the wall or ceiling adjacent to bedroom areas. Place another in the kitchen. Check your smoke detectors once a month by pressing the test button. Replace the battery in each smoke detector at least once a year. Never remove the battery except when replacing it. If your smoke detector is a photo unit, replace the bulbs every three years. Keep the grill of the detector free of dirt by dusting and vacuuming it regularly.

Electrical circuits

Be careful not to overload, lights that flicker or dim indicate trouble that must be corrected. When replacing fuses, install only recommended fuses. Use fuses and breakers that are the proper size for the wire. A ground monitor is a valuable tool for locating any shorts or other problems in the electrical system. If you are inexperienced in working with electricity, don't try to correct electrical problems yourself. Call a qualified electrician.

Electrical Outlets

Don't overextend an electrical outlet with extension cords. Replace frayed or broken electrical cords. Make sure all appliances are properly installed. Buy electrical appliances and equipment approved by a certified testing laboratory. Never run cords under rugs. Keep dust from accumulating on televisions, electrical equipment and appliances.

Based on information provided by Foremost Insurance Company

Request a no-obligation quote for Mobile Home insurance policy.

You might consider :

• Mobile homeowners