Practice Fire Safety Tips During the Summer Months

DENVER, CO, May 25, 2008 – As you head into the summer months, planning campfires, summer barbeque parties in parks and backyards, and our Forth of July celebrations, it's important to practice fire safety. According to the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) National Fire Data Estimates, cooking and gas grills alone have caused numerous fire disasters: more than 6,000 fires, over 5 fatalities, more than 170 injuries and $35 million in property damage, caused mostly due to gas leaks, improper use or faulty equipment.

By taking a few moments to learn about fire safety tips, ways to protect your home, reduce damage in the event of a fire, and putting in place a fire escape plan; you'll be able to enjoy the summer months to come. You'll also have a better chance at avoiding fire disasters and a significant liability lawsuit, and with some of these precautions such as smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers, you'll have the opportunity to receive a 5-15% discount on your homeowners insurance policy.

Fire Safety Tips for the Home – Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the most effective fire safety precautions you can take, saving lives and protecting your home. You should install smoke alarms inside each bedroom and in the hallways, in the kitchen and at every level of the house, including the basement. It's important to follow all the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and testing of each unit. Test the batteries each month and replace them all at least once a year.

Fire Safety Tips for the Home – Residential Sprinkler System

Another statistic from the USFA: fire disasters occur in residential homes every 79 seconds. Although it is more common to see automatic fire sprinklers in business properties, they are showing up in more homes because of their effectiveness at putting out home fires before the fire department arrives.

A Sound Fire Escape Plan

Every second counts if a fire is detected in your home. Having a fire escape plan for you and your family can save your lives.

• If a smoke alarm or the sprinkler system is set off, or if you detect smoke, leave the house immediately
• Practice escaping from every room in the house
• Practice releasing security bars
• Never open doors that are hot to the touch
• Designate a meeting place outside the house
• Never go back into the house after you've escaped

Outside Fire Safety Tips

Outdoor cooking, along with improper use of fireworks, causes over 6,000 fires and more than $8 million in damages every year. Taking these fire safety precautions will allow people to enjoy summer barbeques, camping trips and Forth of July celebrations free from fire disasters.

• Fireworks – Use only legal fireworks; never light them indoors or near grass. Adhere to all directions and warnings.
• Barbeques and Outdoor Grilling – Do not overfill propane tank and check connection to fuel line. Do not add lighter fluid to a lit fire. Dispose of hot coals properly. Make sure everyone knows the Stop, Drop and Roll rule.
• Campfire Safety – Build campfires away from dry grass and leaves, preferably in the camp's designated areas. Keep an eye on campfires at all times and keep them small. Have plenty of water handy and a shovel on hand to douse the fire.

Rural Fire Prevention Checklist

With the hot, dry summer months comes the fire season, which can take out entire neighborhoods and acres of forestation. Practicing these fire safety tips can help reduce potential fire damage to your home.

• Use fire–resistant roofing materials like stone, brick or metal
• Trim grass up to 100 feet surrounding your home
• Thin trees and brush within 30 feet around your home
• Remove dead wood and low tree branches
• Landscape with fire resistant plants
• Store flammable materials at least 30 feet from your home
• Keep water sources accessible to the fire department
• Follow local burning laws

More fire safety tips can be found at the USFA website, www.usfa.fema.gov. Look to NetQuote to discover other ways you can save money on your homeowners insurance.

To see if you can lower your homeowners insurance premium, get your free quotes today.