Did you know that structure fires resulted in $7.9 billion in property damages in 2016? There were also more than 350,000 home fires recorded by the National Fire Protection Association in the same year. While Missouri homeowners are used to protecting their home from inclement weather, fire safety should also be a priority. As your trusted independent insurance agency, we want to help make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for the worst. With the help of a comprehensive home insurance policy and a few simple safety steps, you can protect your assets and your loved ones in the event of a house fire.
7 Common Causes of House Fires in the US
1. Candles
Most people have candles in their homes for a bit of decoration or to help create a more welcoming and inviting space. But it is important to remember that candles should always be lit away from furniture and only burned on a fire-safe surface. Additionally, even though it may be tempting, never leave a candle burning unattended.
2. Kitchen Accidents
Even the most experienced cooks can run into accidents in the kitchen. Avoid cooking fires by remembering to always keep any hand towels, paper towels, and pot holders away from the stovetop while you’re working. And if a grease fire should spring up, always put it out with a fire extinguisher or by smothering the flames.
3. Portable Heaters
When the weather in Missouri is chilly, portable space heaters can come in handy. They work to heat individual rooms quickly and cut down on your utility costs. However, you should always set them up away from furniture and other flammables and remember that they tip easily. Just like candles, space heaters should never be left running while unattended.
4. Flammable Liquids
Many different household cleaners are flammable, so it is important that you always follow the directions listed on the containers and store them away properly after each use. If you have paint, solvents or oils stored in your garage, remember to clean up after each DIY project is completed and wash or toss out old rags as well.
5. Dryer Vents
Cleaning out the dryer vent is one of those little chores that most homeowners don’t stress over very often. But the combination of lint from your clothes and the heat from your dryer can easily lead to flames taking over your laundry room. So be sure to clean out those vents after each load is finished drying or at least a few times per week.
6. Electrical Overloads
When using large appliances, keep in mind that they should be the only item plugged into an outlet. If an outlet becomes overloaded, it can send sparks flying and quickly ignite nearby fabrics or plastics. Additionally, if you use extension cords in your home, never run them under furniture or rugs and do your best only to use them for short periods of time.
7. Outdoor Cooking
When the sun comes out, it seems like everyone is ready to start grilling. While backyard barbecues are meant to be a fun time for all, they can quickly become destructive if you grill too close to your home or other outdoor buildings. Additionally, it’s good to remember to clean your grill often as grease build-ups can lead to malfunction and increase your risk of a grease fire breaking out.
Protect Your Assets with Comprehensive Home Insurance Coverage
The first line of defense against fire and other natural disasters is a great home insurance policy. Want to learn more about the benefits of total insurance protection? Visit Mid-Rivers Insurance Group online for more information and be sure to request a quote today.
