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What to do When Fire Breaks Out at Home

By February 15, 2022Personal Insurance
fires, AIDI, home insurance, fire protection

Woodburning fires. Candles. Cooking and baking. These are telltale signs that winter has set in.

However, these are also times when fires are more likely to break out.

Here’s what you and your family should do in the event of a fire and twenty practical ways to avoid one in the first place.

Act Fast if You See Flames

Home fires move faster and cause more damage today than in the past because many homes contain synthetic materials that are more flammable.

Today, you have 2 to 3 minutes to escape a home fire, whereas occupants had 14 to 17 minutes to flee thirty years ago.

Kitchen Fires

If there is a fire in the oven, do not open the oven door. Instead, please turn off the oven, watch through the window and wait for the fire to put itself out. Once the flames are gone, wait for things to cool, then open and clean it.

If you have a fire on the stovetop, smother the flames with a lid. If that doesn’t work, pour generous amounts of baking soda or use a fire extinguisher on the flames.

Electrical Fires

The first rule of thumb is to use no water as it is a conductor of electricity and will make the fire spread. If the fire is small, follow these steps to contain it:

  • Unplug the electrically powered device if it is safe to do so.
  • Use baking soda or a blanket to smother the flames.
  • Use a class C fire extinguisher. That is the only type that will put out an electrical fire.

Fireplace Fires

You may have a chimney fire if you hear excessive cracking, popping, or a rumble like a train. If this type of fire does break out, call 911 and do the following :

  • Immediately evacuate everyone from home.
  • Put on heatproof gloves and close openings.
  • Extinguish the fire in the grate with baking soda or sand.

Fire Pit Fires

If a fire pit fire gets out of control, gently pour water on the flames or smother it with sand or dirt. Never leave the fire unattended or go to bed before it is entirely out.

 

20 Fire Prevention Techniques

  1. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
  2. Never leave candles unattended, and be sure to blow them out before you leave your house or retire for the evening.
  3. Never leave food unattended when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stovetop, even if it’s only for a moment.
  4. Do not wear loose or flowing clothing while cooking.
  5. Ensure all children are at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.
  6. Turn all handles away from the edge of the stovetop.
  7. Store flammable materials (potholders, oils, paper products) away from a cooking area.
  8. Have a large lid handy to smother small pan fires.
  9. Position your outside grill ten feet from siding, decking, overhanging branches, or foliage.
  10. Smoking is the leading cause of fire-related death. So if you smoke or have visitors who smoke, be constantly mindful of burning tobacco.
  11. When smoking outside, always completely stub out the cigarette in an ashtray or can of sand. Never throw it on the ground to “burn out” on its own.
  12. Thoroughly soak any butts in water before throwing them in a trashcan.
  13. Never smoke in bed.
  14. Never smoke in a home with oxygen, even if it is turned off.
  15. Unplug appliances that heat (e.g., toasters, hairdryers, coffee makers) when you are finished using them.
  16. Dispose of cords that are frayed or worn.

 

When having a woodburning fire in an indoor fireplace, outdoor fireplace, or fire pit, it is vital to:

  1. Keep it attended at all times.
  2. Thoroughly extinguish all flames before going to bed
  3. Keep children and pets away from the fire.
  4. Only burn appropriately dried wood – never trash, painted, or treated wood.

Brought to You by Advanced Insurance Designs Inc

Your home is one of your most significant assets. That’s why it’s essential to do everything you can to protect it. We’ll help you plan for the unexpected with insurance coverage that’s just right for your family home.