As a homeowner, you never want to encounter the damages brought on by natural disasters, but it’s something you have to prepare for. Fires kill more Americans annually than all other natural disasters combined. Preparing your home against the threat of a fire can not only save you money if disaster strikes, it can also bring the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones will be safer.

Home insurance may cover some of the damage on a home from a fire, but that is a last resort. Smoke alarms and sprinklers are often your first line of defense against common household fires. Installing them will not only prevent fires from starting, they can get you discount points on your home insurance. As a homeowner you will want to take all the necessary precautions you can to protect your home against fire damage. There are many steps you can take to fire proof your home. Maintain your fireplace, be careful with portable heaters and monitor burning candles. Preventing fires is as easy as taking the precautions to keep your home safe.
Following are some things you can do to keep your home and family safe and prepared.

Kids and fire safety

When it comes to kids and fire safety, the more they know the better. Take any opportunity you can to educate your children about fires. If they are old enough, teach them proper kitchen safety around the stove, and make sure they know where the smoke alarms are. A great way to get them acquainted with the smoke alarms is to have them help you change the batteries.

Electrical fire safety

One of the most common ways household fires start is due to faulty electrical systems. Your system should be check by a professional annually to make sure that don’t have any problems due to damaged wires or other damage. Your clothes dryer can also be a fire hazard if it isn’t used with care. Make sure that the exhaust vent and pipe are clear of debris. There are professional lint cleaning services that can clean your dryer vents.

HVAC fire safety

Air conditioning and heating systems need regular upkeep in order to ensure that your home is safe from fire hazards. Air conditioning units should be maintained twice a year to keep the motor clean and free of debris. Clogged filters can spark fires in less than 5 minutes. Having your HVAC system maintained regularly can help prevent fires in your home.

Contain flammables

There are many liquids and gases that are highly flammable, and should be stored in areas where they cannot be ignited. For instance, you wouldn’t want to have a can of gasoline near an open flame or near a dryer. Make sure the starters on your stove are free of paper or any other flammable substances.