Prevention is better than cure, and with your home being one of your most valuable assets, you must do everything you can to protect it from fire. Fires in the home are more common than you might think, but there are several simple steps you can take to help prevent them and keep your family safe. Here are some top tips for fire prevention in the home.

Have a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, it’s essential to have a plan, so everyone in your family knows what to do. Make sure you have at least two ways to exit your home and practice your fire escape plan regularly.

Identify a meeting place outside your home so everyone knows where to go once they’ve escaped. And make sure everyone in your family knows how to call 911 in an emergency. Residential fire and smoke in New Jersey is not something to be taken lightly.

Don’t Leave Fires Unattended

Never leave fires unattended especially if you are using a candle, fireplace, or any other type of open flame. It’s also essential to ensure any ashes are completely extinguished before throwing them away.

This is especially important if you have young children in the home, as they may be tempted to play with fire. So, always supervise them when there’s an open flame, and make sure they understand the dangers of fire. This will ensure you do not encounter any residential fire and smoke in New Jersey.

Ensure Heating Sources Are Clear

If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or any other heating source in your home, it’s essential to keep it clear of any flammable materials. This includes things like newspapers, curtains, and furniture.

Having your chimney cleaned regularly is also essential, as a build-up of soot can be a fire hazard. And, if you have a gas fireplace, ensure it’s serviced by a professional every year. But, if you encounter a fire, a fire claim expert in New Jersey can help.

Don’t Overload Electrical Sockets

If you have too many appliances plugged into one socket, it can lead to an electrical fire. So, ensure you don’t overload sockets and only use one appliance per socket.

It’s also a good idea to unplug electrical appliances when you’re not using them, as this can help prevent fires. If an appliance does overheat, disconnect it from the socket immediately and don’t use it until you have it checked by a professional. Fire claim experts in New Jersey recommend plugging your computer and other expensive electronics into a surge protector to help prevent damage from electrical surges.

Practice Caution in the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most common places for fires to start in the home, so it’s essential to be extra cautious when cooking. Never leave the stove unattended when you’re cooking, and keep a close eye on what you’re doing.

If deep-frying, be especially careful as hot oil can easily catch fire. And, always make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, just in case. However, do not hesitate to file fire damage claims in New Jersey in the event that a fire does break out.

Following these simple fire prevention tips can help keep your home and family safe from fire. New Jersey Fire Claims is a public adjuster that can help with fire damage claims in New Jersey. If you’ve been the victim of a home fire, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.