A residential fire occurs in the United States every 67 seconds.

Accidents related to cooking usually cause more residential fires than any other known cause.

Careless smoking is the leading known cause of residential fire deaths.

Arson is the No. 1 cause of nonresidential fires.

These statistics make clear the need for fire insurance. Contact Insurance Center Associates today to see if you’re covered in the event of a fire, and use the following tips to ensure your family’s safety and financial security before and after a fire.

Before a fire

• Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions and property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents, and other valuables.
• Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home.
• Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month.
• Replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year.
• Install a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter.
• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
• Select a location outside your home to serve as meeting place after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

After a fire

• Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
• Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
• Keep all receipts.
• Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
• Take photos of damaged areas.
• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
• Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers, or public adjusters.

Contact Insurance Center Associates today to see if you’re covered in the event of a fire!

Information provided courtesy of Independent Insurance Agents of America