According to the National Fire Protection Association, 27% of all annually reported fires occur in the home, and over three-quarters of all reported civilian injuries were caused by residential fires. Knowing the answers to these key questions regarding fire safety and prevention can keep you prepared when tragedy hits.

What Causes a House Fire? 

Residential fires are most commonly caused by one of the following: 

• Cooking 
• Heating Equipment
• Smoking
• Candles

Together, these four components are responsible for roughly 70% of residential fires each year. To avoid dangerous flames, never leave a heat source unattended and always review the item’s operating instructions to ensure proper placement and usage. Open flames or flammable materials, including candles and smoking materials, should be attended and extinguished appropriately. 

How Do I Prevent a House Fire?

Sometimes even the most vigilant homeowner can’t catch the spark right away, which is why you should always have a fire extinguisher and smoke alarms in your home. 

Learn to operate a fire extinguisher and keep one easily accessible in your home for use in case of emergencies. 

Smoke alarms should be installed throughout the house in bedrooms and common areas. While they only need to be tested twice a year, the NFPA suggests that batteries be replaced every six months for the most accurate alarm responses. 

What Do I Do When My House Catches Fire?

Prepare your family for a house fire by developing and practicing your fire escape plan at least twice a year. Your escape plan should include two primary elements: 

• Two exit routes from each room of your house
• A designated meeting place outside your home for everyone once you exit the building

If a fire has overtaken your house, call 911 immediately and do not reenter your home until authorities have cleared it. 

What If My Home Has Been Destroyed?

Residential fires can blaze out of control and cause extensive physical and financial damage. If your home has been destroyed by a fire, you will benefit from doing the following: 

View the Fire Report 

The fire report gives a damage assessment of your home at the point that first responders arrived on the scene. The report also has time and date information regarding the fire, which your insurance company may need in the future. Contact your local fire department to request a copy of the report. 

Review Your Insurance Policy

You should review your insurance policy in-depth to confirm whether you have fire damage coverage. To add fire insurance or discuss your policy in detail, you can speak with an insurance representative for more information. 

File a Fire Claim

If your policy covers fire damage, you can begin the process of recovery by filing your claim with your insurance company. Any videos or photos of the damage may be helpful to your insurance company in processing your claim and should be discussed with your insurance representative. 

Add peace of mind to your family unit this year by prioritizing fire safety and prevention in your home! ProClean cares about the Pensacola community, and we pair tried-and-true safety tips with craftsman expertise to take care of your family’s needs when it matters most. 

Ready to go ProClean? Call an expert today at 850-484-8500 or fill out a contact form!