The risk of fire in the home is one of the top reasons why people buy homeowners insurance. While most homes are unlikely to burn down, the potential for damage and loss is significant. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average there are about 1,200 home fires every day in the United States. This number has remained relatively consistent since the 1990s, despite a decrease in overall home fires. The NFPA estimates that about $5 billion in insured losses are attributed to home fires each year. This is an average figure, though, and there are wide variations in the cost of home fires depending on where you live and how much your home is worth. While most home fires are preventable, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of fire in your home. By taking these precautions, you can reduce your home insurance premiums while also making it easier to get through an inspection and obtain coverage if there is ever a fire in your home.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

The most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of home fire is to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in every bedroom and the common areas of your home. According to the NFPA, CO is the number one cause of home fires. In fact, CO is responsible for about 40% of all home structure fires.CO alarms are relatively inexpensive and can save lives. The average CO alarm costs about $50 and can be purchased at most hardware stores. They can be plugged in anywhere in the house where there is a risk of CO build-up. CO is invisible, odourless, and non-toxic, making it difficult to detect if it is present. CO can build up in homes if there is a leak in your gas line or appliances are left on with the burner on.

Change the locks

The likelihood of someone breaking into your home is a major cause of home fire. According to the NFPA, about one third of home fires are caused by people who are attempting to break into a home. This can include both professional burglars and people who are trying to break in through an open window or door.Locks can prevent burglaries and break-ins. However, they are only effective if they are properly installed and maintained. It’s important to change the locks on your home if someone has previously broken in. You can also change the locks if you are renting a home and do not plan to stay for a long time. Changing the locks will help you secure your home and make it more difficult for someone to break in.

Check your smoke alarms regularly

Another important step in reducing the risk of home fire is to regularly check your smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are the most important part of your home fire prevention plan. They are the only part of your home that can detect a fire before it spreads. Unfortunately, smoke alarms are one of the most commonly installed home safety systems, but one of the least used. According to the NFPA, only about 50% of homes have working smoke alarms. This is a significant problem because smoke alarms are the only way to detect a fire before it spreads. Smoke alarms are inexpensive, and you can purchase them at most hardware stores. They can be installed in almost any room of your home.There are two types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing is to install smoke alarms in the right places in your home. You should install smoke alarms in every bedroom, on every level of your home, and near any kitchen appliances that produce smoke.You should also check your smoke alarms at least once a month, or more frequently if you live in a high-risk area.

Ensure your home is well-maintained

Another important step in reducing the risk of home fire is to make sure your home is well-maintained. This means paying attention to small things like making sure the smoke detectors are working, and checking for potential hazards in your home. It also includes regularly cleaning your home, fixing small problems, and making repairs as needed. This will help you to make sure your home is in good condition, and reduce the risk of fire.Maintaining your home is not just about keeping it clean and tidy. It is also about making sure there are no hazards that could lead to a fire. This includes fixing small problems, such as broken light bulbs, leaking faucets, and loose electrical cords. It also includes taking care of bigger issues, such as installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is also important to regularly clean your home to prevent dust and dirt build-up. This can lead to safety hazards, such as sparking wires and falling hazards.

Keep flammable items out of the way

The last step in reducing the risk of home fire is to make sure you keep flammable items out of the way. This includes keeping furniture and other items in the common areas of your home at a distance from the walls and floors. It also includes keeping all flammable liquids, such as paint and solvents, out of the kitchen. This will help to reduce the risk of fire in your home, and make your home more difficult to break into.Keep in mind that you do not want to create a fire hazard by storing flammable items too closely together. It is important to keep flammable items at a safe distance from each other, and from the walls and floors. This will help to prevent a spark from spreading to other flammable items, causing a fire.

Conclusion

The risk of home fire is one of the top reasons why people buy home insurance. However, the likelihood of a fire in your home is low. It is important to reduce the risk of fire in your home by installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, changing the locks, checking the smoke alarms regularly, and keeping flammable items out of the way. These steps will help to reduce the risk of fire in your home, and make it easier to get home insurance in the future.

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