Home fires devastate lives. Thousands of lives are lost to home fires every year. Through awareness and prevention techniques, together we can help lower that number.

Fires can start anywhere, but are more common in certain areas, such as the kitchen, the furnace area, wherever candles are used or from unattended cigarettes. Teach your kids the dangers of playing with fire and keep matches or lighters well out of their reach.

Check out these resources to brush up on fire prevention techniques:

• Fire Safety 101: From planning your escape to how to use appliances wisely.
• Smoke Alarms: Too many homes are unprotected by a smoke alarm. See what kind and where to install them.
• Fire Pit Safety: Fire pits aren’t just for camping. As temperatures drop, families and friends gather around the backyard fire pit, which is great, but can backfire if not planned out well.
• Wildfires: These uncontrolled fires put homes at risk. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take.

In addition to the above articles, here are tips to help prevent a fire:

• Check on your home electrical system. Is it outdated and dangerous? If your home was built before 1980, it probably needs maintenance at best.
• No matter how you heat your home (furnace, electric, wood stove, fireplace), make sure it’s well-maintained.
• Don’t store items near your heating source(s) or place furniture and/or curtains too close.
• Never leave burners or grills unattended and keep dishtowels away from heating elements or open flames.
• Pets can start fires too! Pet-proof for fire safety, from the kitchen to your candles.
• Try switching to battery-operated candles.

You can find some great information about Fire Prevention Month on the First Alert website, such as info on installing reliable protection and being proactive to keep your loved ones safe from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.

Contact your Shelter Agent to review your current home inventory list. With a Shelter homeowners policy, you can receive personal property coverage to help you restore your home and replace your belongings in the event of a covered loss.

Note: Limits may apply to property of special value. If personal property coverage isn't sufficient for your needs, it may make sense to insure these items with a personal articles insurance policy.

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