Home insurance companies know that fire is the number one threat to you and your home. Here are a few ideas on fire safety, some of these will also get you cheaper rates.
Of course, one of the most effective improvements is to install and use a home security system to your home. This can be monitored by an alarm company and provide you and your family with a high level of protection and security.
Report your new installation to your insurance agent and you are very likely to receive a discount on your home insurance premium. However, alarm monitoring will cost you a monthly fee. Some homeowners do install alarm systems and then monitor the system themselves; however this is not as effective.
In addition, make sure all of your smoke detectors are working. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every floor of your home, although it is much better to have a smoke detector outside every bedroom. Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) label to insure they meet minimum standards. Change batteries once a year.
Make a fire escape plan and make sure every member of your family knows the plan and what they should do in the event of a fire. It makes little sense to have a fire alarm system if you cannot escape a burning structure quickly. Fire can engulf a house in 60 seconds! So, take the time now to have an escape plan for every room in your home and make sure everyone knows what to do and how to do it quickly.
Make sure every window and window screen in your home can be opened easily by every member of your household quickly and safely. If your windows are old and hard to open, hire a repair person to make repairs. Hundreds of people die every year in the United States because they could not open their bedroom window.
Do you have a second floor to your home? If you do, your bedrooms are likely on the second floor, where escape may become a problem in the event of fire. That is why there are fire escape ladders. This is usually a light chain ladder that can be quickly removed from a closet, placed outside the window while gabbing the windowsill. Your family members can then descend the ladder to safety.
Plan and hold a family fire drill. Have a meeting area outside the home.
In case of fire, never phone 911 from inside the home. Fire can engulf a house in 60 seconds! Everyone should get out of the house as quickly as possible, and then phone 911 from a safe location outside the home.
If you want to read more about fire safety, go to Home Safety Council: Home Fire Safety Tips, and Fire Prevention In The Home/a>.
