Fire Prevention Week 2022
October is on the way and so is Fire Prevention Week. Each year, The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) dedicates the second week in October as fire prevention awareness week. Their goal is to raise awareness for fire prevention and to reinforce the importance of having an escape plan for your home and family. You might think fire safety is only for school-aged kids, but the message is no less important to everyone under your roof.
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to educate the ENTIRE family on the importance of fire safety and whole home safety. Small things like changing out batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, testing fire extinguishers and having an escape plan are just as important as making sure you have adequate homeowners insurance and making sure your coverage is up to date. It’s important to have a plan in place for your family AND your home in the event of a fire emergency.
Make A Plan for your Family
Did you know you should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly? Testing to make sure batteries are still working is an easy safety measure the whole family can help with.
Coming up with an escape plan for your family in case of emergency is critical too. It’s not enough to come up with a plan but to practice and reinforce the plan so that the entire family knows what to do. Practice can save lives!
Have furnaces and fireplaces inspected before the cold weather comes. Making sure your heating units are functioning properly and clear of any buildup or debris can save you from potential disaster.
Keep fire extinguishers on every level of your home, specifically with one in the kitchen and garage, and one easily accessible to bedrooms. Check fire extinguishers annually and familiarize yourself with how to use it.
Make A Plan for your Home
Fire prevention week is also the perfect time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure your coverage is adequate for your needs, by discussing your policy with a trusted insurance agent. Does your dwelling insurance cover your needs? Do you need coverage for other structures like a garage, shed or barn? Is your personal property covered?
Perform an annual Replacement Cost Analysis. Did you know that as a homeowner you should have a list compiled of the contents of your home? Keeping track of things like serial numbers or receipts of appliances and electronics can be a lifesaver in helping with replacement costs in the event of a fire. In the electronic age of information keeping, it’s easier now than ever to catalog your home’s contents, even a video of your home’s contents can be a useful tool to help document your property.
Consider a property floater policy for any expensive items in your home: TVs and entertainment equipment, art pieces, collections you might have, musical instruments, jewelry – items that would exceed coverage on your regular homeowner’s policy.
Fire won’t wait, and neither should you. There’s no better time to get prepared, take advantage of Fire Prevention Week to make sure you’re covered.