MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021
House fires can occur in any part of any home. Most home fires occur in the kitchen while cooking and are the leading cause of injuries from fires across most demographics. Common causes of fires (at any time of day or night) are carelessly discarded cigarettes or matches, sparks from fireplaces without spark screens or glass doors and heating appliances left too close to furniture or other combustibles.
Some fires can be particularly dangerous because they may smolder for a long period before being discovered by the homeowner. However, despite the risk that will always be present, house fires are still preventable.
Take a look at some of the common causes of fires and consider what you can do to keep your risk of a blaze breaking out to a minimum.
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Smoking - If you smoke, smoke outside. Most home fires caused by smoking materials start inside the home. Always extinguish every cigarette or other tobacco product fully.
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Portable Space Heaters - Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices, and always turn these items off when you leave the room.
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Electrical and Appliance Safety - Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. If you notice problems with circuit breakers, electrical outlets or light fixtures, then immediately shut off the flow and have the problems repaired.
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Fireplaces and Woodstoves - Inspect and clean woodstove pipes, furnaces and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
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Children - Take the mystery out of fire by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Keep an eye on them whenever they are around open flames.
More Prevention Tips
Outside of the big-idea fire prevention tips, there are many small ways that you can keep your risk of fires low, too:
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Avoid using lighted candles.
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Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
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Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. Mattresses made since 2007 are required by law to ignite less quickly when exposed to flames.
If you think it’s a fire hazard, then do what you can to minimize the risks. In the end, you’ll keep your property, family and insurance risks safe in the face of a very serious event.
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NOTICE: This and all content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information.
The information in this material is not intended to be used as tax or legal advice. Please consult with a tax and/or legal professional
for detailed information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and shared by Riverside Insurance Agency, Inc. to provide information
that may be of interest. Riverside Insurance Agency, Inc. is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm.
The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
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