8 Tips To Help Make Your Home Safer From Fire

Be better prepared in an emergency through prevention planning.

A home fire can happen at any time. According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average a U.S. fire department responds to one every 86 seconds. And the odds increase significantly during fall and winter months. Given the possible risk, home fire prevention is worth the time and effort. Here are some tips to help make your home safer.

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, bedrooms, and outside each sleeping area

2. Test smoke alarms monthly

3. Replace smoke alarm batteries annually and replace a smoke alarm every 8 to10 years

4. Have at least one fire extinguisher available, properly mounted, near the kitchen

5. Have heating units and chimneys inspected annually

6. Develop/discuss an escape plan with all household members, and practice it twice a year

7. Make sure windows don't stick, and screens and any security bars can be easily removed

8. Teach household members how to stop, drop, and roll in the event their clothes catch fire

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.

References:

1. “7 Ways To Prepare for a Home Fire,” http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness.

2. “Home Fires,” https://www.ready.gov/home-fires.

3. “Safety Tip Sheets,” https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets.