Your Guide to Home Fire Safety

Home fires cause over 75 percent of all fire-related injuries and fatalities in addition to billions of dollars in property damage every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. No matter where you live, the risk of a disastrous home fire is always a concern—however, you can do a variety of things to ensure that you, your loved ones, and your property will be as safe as possible.

The Importance of Prevention

Once a fire starts, it’s often too late to do anything. Most home fires are preventable, so it’s essential that you take steps to fire-proof your house. You might not be present at the point of ignition to try and extinguish a fire before it spreads—many blazes start out of sight and are only noticed after growing to uncontrollable sizes. Practicing good prevention methods is the best way to stay safe, so you should always follow basic fire safety guidelines.

• Check smoke detectors. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are your first line of defense against house fires, especially at night and in unattended rooms. Test your smoke detectors once a month, and replace them yearly.
• Have accessible fire extinguishers. Make sure that you can quickly access an extinguisher from everywhere in your house, especially in the kitchen. Fire extinguishers do no good tucked away in a box in your basement, so ensure they’re easy to locate and retrieve.
• Minimize fire hazards. Unsupervised heaters or appliances, excessive clutter, exposed or damaged electrical components, and unattended cooking all can cause or aggravate fires. Make sure to maintain, clean, and keep an eye on your house to minimize these hazards.
• Have an escape plan. In the event that a fire breaks out, you’ll need to be prepared to evacuate quickly. Forming and practicing an escape plan, alongside identifying potential exits and routes through the home, can keep you and your family safe if the worst happens.

How to Handle an Arizona House Fire

Even with the best prevention efforts, fires can and often do break out in homes regardless. If something combusts, you should try to put it out with a fire extinguisher; however, if the flame is too large to combat, you should immediately evacuate your home. Shout to alert anyone else in the house of the fire before following your escape plan. As you move, feel doors and door handles for heat, and stay low to the ground with something over your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling smoke. Once you’ve exited the house, call 911, and don’t go back inside for any reason, even to save pets or loved ones—doing so will only endanger you both, making it harder for firefighters to save either of you.

Once the fire has subsided, you should seek medical treatment and spend time with your family. Although the loss of your property and any physical or mental trauma might seem overwhelming, it’s possible to receive full compensation for your costs, losses, and suffering. Filing an insurance claim and talking to an experienced attorney is the first step towards peace of mind, so please, if you’ve had to go through a house fire, contact us today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule a free consultation and talk more about your recovery.