Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

fire risks safety tips

It is a family’s worst nightmare — losing their home to a fire. And, unfortunately, because of space heaters, lit Christmas trees, and heated blankets, the holiday and winter season is the time when most house fires occur. Use these simple tips to keep your fire risks low and to educate your family on year-round safety.

House Fire Risks Tips

  1. Stay Clean in the Kitchen – Cooking equipment is the leading cause of all house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. Anything you can cook with (microwave, stove top, oven, etc.) can cause a fire. Most people think it takes a gas leak to start a fire, but a small spark from a frayed cord on a microwave can also be a huge fire risk. Take the time to clean your kitchen and while doing so, observe the wear and tear on all of your appliances. Make sure the grease is cleared from your stove tops and ovens. Install a fire extinguisher in the corner of the kitchen in case of emergencies and teach everyone in your family how to use it. Lastly, never leave the kitchen while food is cooking. You always want to observe everything, monitoring and detecting all fire risks as they happen.
  2. Clean Out the Lint Trap – Dryers are another common fire risk within many homes. Dryers themselves are usually safe, but the lint that builds up within the lint trap is extremely flammable. This, mixed with the heating element of the dryer, creates a huge fire risk. The best thing to do is to have anyone doing laundry in the home clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry dried. This will prevent buildup and decrease your risk of a dryer fire.
  3. Unplug Space Heaters & Give Them Room – Space heaters can keep rooms feeling warm and cozy. However, they are also a fire risk. Leaving space heaters on unattended should never happen; they should always be monitored. Additionally, loose flammable fabric should never touch or be near a space heater. This can cause immediate risk of a fire.
  4. Never Overuse Electric Strips – These days, everything needs to be plugged in. However, overcrowding outlets, extension cords, and electric strips is a BIG no no when it comes to fire risk. Additionally, cords should always be checked for any fraying or exposed wires to clear them for use. Remember to unplug and turn off electronics whenever they are not in use. Being cognizant of these electrical fire hazards can greatly diminish your risk of a fire at your home.

In general, it is important to make a list of hazards in your household that can contribute to the risk of a fire. Every season, go over devices, appliances or conditions in the home that can create fire risk to alleviate them. Education and safety training is also important, so make sure to involve all members of your family.