Important Fire Safety Tips

A fire threatens a home in a suburban hillside community.

It’s summer and the heat is on!  High temperatures and dry windy conditions are a catalyst for wildfires. Even if you don’t live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, you need to be diligent and prepare yourself in case you’re faced with one.

With more people working from home, the chances of a house fire are greater due to increased electrical use and the fact that more people are cooking and/or barbecuing. Electrical fires can occur when the system is overloaded.  Cooking fires can easily start when the grill or stove is unattended and are a leading cause of house fires.

It’s important to always have a safety plan in mind, even if you think a fire will never happen to you. Here are some tips to help get you prepared.

It’s also important to review your insurance coverage and make sure you’re covered if you have to rebuild your home due to a fire. Contact your friends at Apollo Insurance Services at 800.426,1088  for a free check-up.

Install & Test Smoke Detectors Regularly

Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be tested every month and batteries changed annually

Develop a Fire Escape Plan

Designate a safe, accessible meeting spot outside, away from your home. A fire escape plan should be devised and practiced at least twice a year.

Stop, Drop and Roll

Stop, drop to the ground and roll if your clothes are on fire. Families should know this technique and it should be practiced with children.

Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit

Make an emergency supply kit and include things like a flashlight, batteries, a whistle, blankets and water. An extra supply kit should be kept in the car in case you are unable to immediately to return inside.

Gather Emergency Contact Information

Maintain a list of emergency contact numbers in cell phones and keep it in the supply kit.

Store Important Documents in a Safe Place

Find a safe place to store important documents like birth certificates and financial information. You should even consider making copies of these documents and storing them in a secure, off-site location.