Fire Prevention Week

2017's Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14. Learn how you can get involved.

Every year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) holds Fire Prevention Week, a public education campaign that encourages everyone to be ready in case of a fire. This year's theme is €œEvery Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!€ The risk of a home fire significantly increases as the weather cools and heat is required. Help your clients protect their families by offering fire prevention tips, including the creation of an emergency escape plan.

Prevention

Cooking equipment, smoking, and heating equipment are the most common causes of house fires. To mitigate your risk for cooking related fires, make sure you always turn off your oven and stove when you're finished cooking and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case. The best way to reduce our risk of a smoking related fire is to simply quit smoking. However, you can also reduce your risk by never smoking inside your home and making sure you extinguish all smoking implements (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.) completely. Fires caused by heating equipment are most common during cold winter months. Make sure you have your heater professionally inspected before winter hits to make sure your heater is safe to use.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the best way to alert you and your loved ones to the threat of fire. When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms play a huge role in reducing the number of fire related injuries and deaths. Make sure that you have smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. You should also test your smoke alarms once a month and replace them every 10 years. Finally, if a smoke alarm sounds, make sure you get out of your home and stay outside.

Escape Plan

Everyone should have a fire escape plan for their home. Start by drawing a map of your home with your family and be sure to mark two exits from every room and show how you can get outside from each exit. Make sure your family knows to close doors as they exit a room, this can help slow the spread of smoke and fire. Also, make sure your family understands that they should never, under any circumstances, run back into a burning building once they're safely outside. Once your family knows the different escape routes, practice your escape plan at least twice a year. The more often your practice, the less likely you will panic in the event of a real fire.

This Fire Prevention Week, make sure you and your family are ready for the threat of fire. Another way to be prepared is making sure you have the necessary insurance to cover you, your loved ones, and your home. To get the insurance you need, contact the professionals at Scavone Insurance today. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you get the protection you need.