The fact is that there are more than over 209 fires in Florida homes every day. Forty percent start in the kitchen, over 22 percent are caused by faulty wiring, followed by careless smoking, children playing with matches or lighters, and unattended heating devices*. One of the most shocking statistics is that smoke detectors are not present or are inoperative in over 52 percent of these homes! More than half of the fires in Florida homes could be prevented, or damages could be reduced significantly, with an investment of less than $30. Imagine how that would affect Florida homeowners insurance premiums.

Below are some great tips to help you prepare for, and prevent, fires in your home. Mr. Sun had one to add to the list that I think is excellent. He recalls in his past life as an insurance adjuster, sitting with families after a fire ravaged their home trying to help them remember EVERYTHING they had in the house! Go ahead, try it now. I’ll wait a few minutes…. Every room, every picture on the wall, every item in every cabinet, under the bed… a daunting task on your best day. Now, compound that task with the emotionally charged, stressful situation, of losing your home! It’s extremely difficult to focus under those conditions. Mr. Sun’s advice is simple and won’t take much of your time. It will pay off if you ever need to file a fire claim. If you really want to be sure not to miss anything, do a home inventory and keep it with your video!

First, go around the house and open all of the closet doors, cabinets, furniture with drawers, every place where you have stashed your belongings. Don’t forget the garage and attic. Now, get your video camera (or iPhone) ready. Go around the house and video tape everything in the house, even under the beds. If you used a video cassette, make sure to store it in your safety deposit box, not your sock drawer. And if it’s on your digital device, make sure to upload it to your cloud. Computers burn too. If by some unfortunate chance you do have a fire, you’ll want to access this video inventory to help you with your list of lost items!

Don’t let yourself or your family be part of the yearly statistics, study these tips together:                           

• Don't panic -- do your best to stay calm.
• Leave the house of apartment quickly. Don't go back in for any reason.
• If smoke is present, drop to the floor and crawl to the nearest exit. (Air will be cleaner closer to the floor)
• Never use water to put out an electrical fire. This can cause a serious shock hazard.
• If trapped inside and blocked by smoke, close all doors between you and the smoke. Try to seal openings around doors with wet towels. Then, open a window slightly at top and bottom for fresh air.
• Feel the door before you exit through it. If the door is hot, leave by another exit.
• Don't use water to put out a cooking grease fire. Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames or use an approved class-B fire extinguisher.
• In case of fire, use the stairs, not the elevator, in a multistory building.
• Always use cool water or ice on a skin burn, never grease or butter.

Here are some Fire Safety and General Tips to help prevent a fire:

• Plan escape routes from every room and floor to an outdoor meeting place. Be sure everyone in the family knows and practices them. If there is only one exit from the upper floor have slides or rope ladder available and practice proper use.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor and in hallways leading to bedrooms.
• Change smoke alarm batteries semi-annually, easily remembered if done when changing the clocks for daylight savings time in the spring and fall months. Test alarms regularly.
• Keep an approved fire extinguisher in the kitchen, boat and car. (Be sure family members know how to use them)
• Do not use frayed extension cords and do not place extension cords under a rug or near a heat source.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Be sure children know their address.
• Practice STOP, DROP AND ROLL with your children.
• Make sure your babysitter knows the family's fire safety rules, escape routes and meeting place.
• If you smoke, do not smoke in bed and never, never walk away from a lighted cigarette.
• Keep ovens, broiling pans and kitchen exhaust fans clean.
• When frying foods on stove, do NOT leave unattended.
• Do not wear loose or flowing sleeves when cooking.
• If a fuse or circuit breaker should blow or keeps tripping, find out why and correct the problem. Always use the correct size fuse. Call an electrician.
• Make sure your house numbers can be easily seen from the street.
• Remember, fire engines and emergency vehicles always have the right-of-way, Pull over and stop.

*Florida Department of Financial Services      

 Sun Insurance Services is serves all of the Sunshine State. Contact us today for your insurance needs.

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