October is National Fire Prevention Month, a timely reminder that simple, proactive steps can make all the difference in keeping our homes and families safe from fire.
National Fire Prevention Month commemorates the Great Chicago Fire that occurred October 8-10, 1871. This devastating fire destroyed thousands of buildings, killed hundreds of people, and left over 100,000 homeless. Since then, efforts nationwide have been established to prevent these kinds of disasters from happening in other communities. And yet, every year, countless lives are impacted by fires, many of which could have been prevented.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are roughly 350,000 to 400,000 home fires annually. In 2022, there were 374,300 residential fires. These fires lead to billions of dollars in property damage and destroy or severely damage thousands of homes each year.
On top of property loss, residential fires cause approximately 2,500 to 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. (2,720 in 2022), and tens of thousands of injuries. Most of these fatalities occur in homes without working smoke alarms or escape plans.
House fires can happen in a split second and escalate quickly. It only takes a small electrical fault, kitchen mishap, or unattended candle one minute to ignite surrounding curtains, furniture, or paper. From there, fires can spread rapidly. Within just a few minutes, temperatures can rise dramatically, reaching 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
And in less than ten minutes, a fire can spread throughout the home, damaging walls, floors, and the structure itself.
Wichert joins many others this month in efforts to spread fire prevention tips. Here’s what you can do to keep you, your loved ones, and your property safe all year round:
Install Smoke Alarms
Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Create an Escape Plan
Even though the subject of house fires can be frightening for children, making sure everyone in your family knows how to escape is critically important. Develop a family fire escape plan, identifying two ways out of every room, and practice the plan at least twice a year.
Install Fire Extinguishers
Keep fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces, and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
Check Electrical Systems
Have a licensed electrician inspect your home’s wiring to avoid electrical fires, especially if you live in or recently moved into an older home. Don't overload outlets or use damaged extension cords.
Maintain Heating Equipment
Of the hundreds of thousands of house fires each year, about 10% (34,200) are caused by heating fires. After cooking-related incidents, they are the second leading cause of residential building fires.
To prevent this kind of fire, have your furnace, chimney, and fireplace inspected annually, and clean out lint from dryers regularly.
Clear Your Yard
To reduce the risk of outdoor fires spreading to your home, keep trees, shrubs, and dry debris away from the house.
Practice Safe Cooking
Cooking-related incidents are responsible for over half of all house fires (187,500!), often when people leave their cooking unattended.
Stay by your food as it cooks, especially when frying or grilling, and keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires inside.
And when you’re grilling outdoors, make sure your grill is at least ten feet away from your house, downwind from any physical structures, and away from any combustible materials and low-hanging branches.
Pay Attention to Drought Conditions
Fire safety and prevention is critically important for all homeowners, but especially those who live in areas that are affected by drought conditions, extreme weather, and wildfires.
Droughts produce dry vegetation, which make plants and trees more prone to ignite from sources like lightning, sparks, or human activity. They can prolong the fire season in areas prone to wildfires, leading to more frequent and severe wildfires. Plus, with little resistance to the flames on the landscape in dry conditions, fires can spread more rapidly.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to follow burn bans in your community, use fire pits wisely, store firewood safely, and avoid sparks from lawnmowers and chainsaws.
And make sure to follow your local and state water use restrictions during a drought to support firefighting efforts, which can be impacted by lack of groundwater.
You can keep an eye on drought conditions in your region by visiting the U.S. Drought Monitor website.
How Fire Prevention Measures Can Affect Homeowners Insurance Rates
Besides the obvious importance of protecting your home and your loved ones, taking fire prevention measures can also lower homeowners insurance premiums.
Insurers may offer discounts for homes equipped with safety devices like smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers. Additionally, having a fire escape plan and conducting regular maintenance on your home can signal to insurers that your home is at lower risk, potentially reducing your insurance rate.
What Fire-Related Events Are Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies?
If you are the unfortunate victim of a fire-related incident, standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage caused by accidental fires, wildfires, smoke damage, lightning strikes, or explosions, although policies vary by location, especially in high-risk areas.
It's important to review your policy regularly to understand what is covered and whether additional protection is needed for events like wildfires. Wichert’s local, independent agents are here to help you understand your homeowner’s insurance and determine whether you have opportunities to lower your rate or might need to increase your coverage.
Connect with Wichert to discuss your policy, but first, go check your smoke alarms!