Stop, Drop, and Go: Essential Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

A house fire is one of the most devastating events a family can experience. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a local fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States every 23 seconds. While having a robust homeowners insurance policy is critical for rebuilding the physical structure of your home, your first priority must always be the physical safety of your family.

At Beneigh Insurance Group, we believe that proactive preparation saves lives. Here are a few essential fire safety tips to help you protect your loved ones and your property.

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms Monthly

It sounds simple, but working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a reported home fire by more than half.

• Placement: Install alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Maintenance: Test the alarms once a month by pressing the test button. Replace the batteries at least once a year (a great reminder is to do this when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time), and replace the entire alarm unit every 10 years.

2. Create and Practice an Escape Plan

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds.

• Map out two ways to escape from every room in your house, especially second-story bedrooms.
• Designate a clear family meeting spot outside, a safe distance from the home (like a neighbor's driveway or a specific tree).
• Practice this drill with your children at least twice a year, ensuring they know how to escape if you cannot reach them.

3. Keep Fire Extinguishers Accessible

Every home should have at least one multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher located in or near the kitchen, as cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Ensure all adults in the household know how to use it using the PASS method:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep from side to side.

4. Close Before You Doze

A closed door is one of the best pieces of firefighting equipment you have. Closing your bedroom door before you go to sleep can slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire, buying you precious time to escape or wait for rescue.

Want more comprehensive safety tips? We care deeply about our local communities. That is why we offer a free eBook to help your family prepare. Sign up on our homepage to receive your copy of "Stop, Drop, and Go: 12 Essential Steps To Keep Your Family Safe from Fire." If you are unsure if your current homeowners policy provides enough coverage to rebuild in the event of a total loss, contact our office today for a complimentary policy review.