For homeowners, experiencing a house fire can be emotionally and financially taxing, leaving your house uninhabitable and causing your homeowners insurance rates to increase. Thus, to avoid inconvenience, expense, and danger, fire prevention is your best option. Below are some important fire safety tips to help keep your family and your property secure.

A Guide to Fire Safety for Your Home

1. Create a Fire Escape Plan

To prepare for the possibility of a fire, work with your family to create escape routes from every room in the house. For each location, come up with at least two routes in case one is blocked by flames. Depending on how high your windows are from the ground, it can be beneficial to include window exits in your escape plan, but make sure each window can be safely and easily opened and that each screen can be removed quickly. For rooms above the ground floor, consider investing in rope ladders strong enough to support an adult's weight. Practice fire drills several times a year, so everyone knows what to do, where to go, and where to meet once they're outside. Teach children not to hide from firefighters or rescue workers.

2. Practice Cooking Safety

Never leave the kitchen when you're cooking over a burner. Open flames are the most dangerous, but even electric burners can ignite nearby paper or fabric. For the safety of small children, teach them the importance of safety within the kitchen and encourage them to remain at least 3 feet away from all operating cooking appliances. This prevents them from knocking over hot pans, spilling cooking oil, or accidentally burning themselves. If you barbecue outdoors, move the grill six feet away from the house and out from under any eaves or overhangs.

3. Install & Maintain Smoke Detectors

Homeowners insurance companies and fire safety experts recommend you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement. Place them in the hallway outside your bedrooms, near the furnace, and just outside the kitchen. These should be hardwired into your electrical system, but they also need a battery backup, just in case. For your family's benefit, be sure to test the alarms monthly to ensure they are working, and change the batteries every six months. 

If you're concerned about house fires and would like to boost your homeowners insurance to protect yourself, contact Associated Insurance Services in Anchorage, AK. They are an independent brokerage that can search their broad provider network to find you the best coverage at the best rate, whether you're seeking home, auto, motorcycle, or umbrella insurance. Learn more about this insurance brokerage on their website or call (907) 349-2229 to request a homeowners insurance quote.