Fire Prevention Month, observed every October, first began as a one week observance to recall the Great Chicago Fire. The catastrophic fire in 1871 killed almost 300 people, destroyed more than 3 square miles of the city, and caused more than 100,000 people to lose their homes. Multiple preventions and interventions could have drastically reduced the impact of the fire. Local and state governments, including ours here in Montgomery and Bucks Counties in Pennsylvania, learned from that tragedy. As a result, today’s building codes have strict fire safety standards.
Although household fire prevention is a year round endeavor, this month is a good time to focus on all the things that might get missed or forgotten over time. Take a few hours this October to ensure that your house is clear of fire hazards.
Fire Safety Inside Your Home
Most homeowners have an eye for the average fire hazard around the house. We make sure radiators are clear, outlets are not overloaded, and appliances are away from water. Of course, these things can all fall prey to forgetfulness and clutter. Always start with the easy, obvious hazards. Check power cords to make sure they aren’t showing signs of wear, dust the power strip behind your TV and computer, and check the heat sources in rooms you don’t use very often.
The less obvious fire hazards in your home are behind the scenes:
- GFI outlets (the kind with buttons) need to be replaced every 10-15 years.
- The dryer vent hose (the metal tube that leads outside) should be replaced or fully cleaned out once a year.
- Check the wires behind light fixtures that flicker or burn out often.
- Replace the old extension cords that only get used once or twice a year.
- Walk around your basement, attic, and unused rooms to check for anything that might be a fire hazard, especially signs of water.
- Check the power cords behind kitchen appliances to make sure they aren’t kinked or wearing thin.
Although this is not limited to fire safety, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls & Product Safety Warnings page to see if you have any items that have been deemed unsafe for consumers. Unfortunately, discovering that a product is a fire hazard happens the hard way all too often. Stay up to date on this site so that you can remove risky items from your home.
Of course, no Fire Prevention Month is complete without a reminder to check your smoke alarms and buy a new fire extinguisher for your kitchen. When a fire starts, you need to know that you can extinguish it at its source or evacuate your home quickly. If your family already has a fire exit plan, practice it this month. If you don’t have a plan, make one today.
Fire Safety Outside Your House
House fires that start outside the home can easily become just as destructive as those that begin inside. Outdoor fire safety is essential to routine home maintenance. This is the season for backyard fire pits, so check out our previous blog on how to make sure your fire stays under control and away from your house.
Those outdoor extension cords you dig out for setting up Halloween and Christmas decorations need to be closely checked. We often forget about the passage of time when it comes to annual decorations. Aging cords may or may not show signs of deterioration on the outside, but the wires inside could be going bad. If it’s more than 10 years old, go ahead and replace it.
The garage is key place that can hide fire hazards. Look around for old chemicals, signs of water near outlets, and aging electronics that might have corroded batteries. It’s easy to forget about things once they go into the garage, but forgotten items are often the most at risk for causing trouble.
Walk your entire property, and get as close a view of neighboring properties as you can. Keep an eye out for trees, power lines, aging structures, and other potential hazards that could spark a fire in the right conditions. It may be necessary to get local authorities, an electrician, or your neighbors involved to fully resolve the issues, but it’s a good idea to get this done before the weather turns cold.
The Latest Hazards: Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are everywhere now. They power phones, household electronics, scooters, bikes, and cars. These batteries, while convenient and purposeful, often have a fire risk that we may not be nearly as aware of as traditional hazards.
Electric scooters and E-bikes are especially at risk of having their batteries explode. Always store these vehicles outdoors, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for charging and discharging.
Keep phones and laptops off soft surfaces when charging, and always make sure you are using the right type of cord to charge the item. A power surge from the wrong type of cord can cause a spark that sets off a house fire.
Keep Your Home Safe this Fire Prevention Month
Taking some focused time to review fire safety around your home can help protect your property and family throughout the year. While homeowners insurance provides financial protection when damage occurs, there are many things in your home that simply can’t be replaced. When you perform a systematic review of the entire property for potential fire hazards, you are doing your part to lower the risk of a tragedy.
If it’s time to check out your aging electrical systems, our team would be more than happy to refer a trusted local electrician. A professional can help you identify current and potential risks, as well as plan for future upgrades. If you’re thinking about a remodel or transitioning into a smart home, a qualified electrician can offer guidance about making sure your wiring is safe and up to date.
While you’re doing your fire safety home inspection, keep an eye out for other routine maintenance that needs to be done. Remember, your homeowners insurance policy has limitations when it comes to regular wear and tear system breakdowns. If you want to learn more about how your coverage works in the event of a fire, or any other damaging event, please contact us. At Smyrl Insurance, we educate, nurture, and empower homeowners to help them prevent fire, water, injury, and other types of claims. But when an unfortunate event does occur, we are right here to help our clients navigate the process. We help clients stay prepared with homeowners, auto, umbrella, and other types of insurance in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout the region in Montgomery County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
