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How safe is your home? Have you eliminated all the common fire hazards? Do you know all the things that could be fire hazards? This article will give you a list of common fire hazards to get rid of. We can all take steps to make our homes safer to live in. In case something goes wrong it is a good idea to have both home insurance and a home warranty. The combination of coverage will help you when emergencies happen at home.
What Does A Home Warranty Cover?
The average home warranty covers major appliances that break down and home systems such as heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical. Some things like roofs and swimming pools can be added to a home warranty. You can choose the coverage that meets your individual needs. You pay a monthly fee for the coverage and then when something goes wrong with a covered item, you call the warranty company and they send out a repair person. You pay a small fee for each claim and repair.
The per visit fee is much smaller than an uncovered repair cost would be. It is important to read the home warranty carefully to make sure you understand what is covered and what the exclusions are.
Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is often required by mortgage companies. This insurance covers losses due to disasters, fires, robberies, and so on. This insurance covers the structure of the home where a home warranty covers appliances and certain systems. If a house burns down, the homeowner’s insurance will send an adjuster out to examine the damage and the policy will pay the homeowner damages so they can repair or rebuild the home.
6 Fire Hazards To Look For
There are at least 6 fire hazards for homeowners to be aware of. Not all hazards appear scary on the surface. Here are the most common causes of preventable home fires.
1. Candles
Did you know that 9,300 fires in the U.S. were caused by candles between 2009 and 2013? They caused 86 deaths and $374 million in property damage.
2. Cooking
Most home fires are started in the kitchen while preparing meals. The fires started while cooking food on the stovetop. People walk away from cooking food and get distracted. Microwaves can start fires when their vents are blocked. Flammable objects such as curtains or towels come in contact with the hot burners on a range top. The grease in a pan over high heat catches fire. The stove-top malfunctions and overheats or a burner is left on when cooking is completed.
3. Electrical
Electrical fires can start from defective or overloaded extension cords, damaged wiring, oversized light bulbs, and hidden electrical shorts start a lot of fires.
4. Heating And Water Heaters
Heating appliances and gas water heaters cause a lot of fires. Space heaters need to be at least three feet away from anything flammable. Fireplaces and chimneys need to be well-maintained and properly used to be safe. Use a screen in front of fireplaces. Never leave portable heating devices or candles burning or plugged in while you are sleeping or away from home.
5. Smoking
Smoking is a bad habit in a lot of ways including starting house fires. Smoking materials are one of the leading causes of fire deaths in the United States. Smoking in bed or where oxygen is being used are dangerous habits.
6. Washing Machines And Dryers
Washers and dryers need to be cleaned and maintained. A dryer filter or vent hose filled with debris is a fire danger. Don’t use a dryer without the filter in place. Keep the washer and dryer in good repair and do not overload the dryer. Any electrical device can have a damaged or defective cord that can start fires so inspect them regularly.
Take the time to study up home safety and eliminate fire dangers whenever possible.
