Your home or business can suffer a fire loss at any time and without warning. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, house fires cause $15 billion in property damage and thousands of lives lost. While there is no foolproof method of avoiding disaster, preparing your home or business and educating your family about fire safety and prevention can significantly reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury, and even death.
Below, a Miami fire damage claims lawyer offers four fire loss prevention tips to protect your property and keep your family safe:
Tip 1. Have a Fire Escape Plan
Understanding what to do in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. Discuss with your family or employees what to do in the event of a fire and create a floor plan. Establish some ground rules and a meeting location.
Decide on a meeting location in front of your home or office so that when assistance arrives, they will know you have exited the building. It is also a good idea to practice your escape route. Conduct occasional drills to ensure that you are prepared regardless of the time or weather conditions.
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Tip 2. Recognize Hidden Fire Hazards
Hidden fire hazards plague our homes and offices. Common fire hazard locations include the kitchen, electrical system, heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) systems, and cigarette and cannabis smoking areas. Identifying and mitigating these hazards is a critical component of fire safety.
Tip 3. Learn How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Locating a fire extinguisher should not jeopardize your safety in a fire. Keep them located in fire-prone areas, such as the kitchen, garage, and fireplace. Operating one is relatively simple: Pull the pin, point the nozzle at the fire’s base, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the nozzle side to side until extinguished.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also offers additional tips and guidelines for using a fire extinguisher here.
Tip 4. Test Your Smoke Alarms
While standard battery-operated smoke alarms are helpful, investing in an alarm system monitored by a company that can communicate with your local authorities can make you safer. Ensure that the alarm is installed on each level of your home or office, both inside and outside each room. Alarms should be tested and cleaned monthly and replaced every ten years.
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Fire Loss Prevention Is Critical
A little fire loss prevention and preparation can keep you and your family safe. If you find yourself facing the unthinkable, contact a Miami fire damages attorney for legal advice on filing a claim. We can help you evaluate your situation while protecting your claim from low-ball settlement offers.
Contact The Innocent Law Firm for a Free Consultation at 954-903-1737 or send us a message here.