National Fire Prevention Week

With the extreme heat advisories we have had this summer in South Florida, specifically Boca Raton, I heard of several house fires that came close to spreading to neighboring homes in their communities.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) announced “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” as their official theme for Fire Prevention Week which begins October 6, 2024, and ends October 12, 2024.

The NFPA data shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

In my previous blog Year-Round Fire Safety Tips, I specifically discuss smoke alarms and how often you should change the batteries if they are not hard-wired.  I also discuss the placement of smoke alarms throughout your property, in addition to other safety tips.
 
Keeping Safe During A Fire
Fires can start in an instant and spread very quickly.  It’s important to protect your family and keep them safe from harm. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe:
 

• As soon as you hear your smoke alarm or smell smoke – react immediately
• Gather family members and pets
• Exit through exterior doors
• Protect your and your family from smoke inhalation
• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll on the ground
• If you cannot get out, stay low to the ground to ward off smoke
• If you have a two-story home, call for help from a second-story window
• If you can, escape from a second-story window
• Get away from the property as quickly as possible
• Once you escape, conduct a head count
• Call 911​
  

 
Insurance Coverage and Policy Review
I cannot speak about this enough and will continue to repeat myself regularly!  You need to review your policy and know your coverage.  Don’t assume you are covered, make sure you are covered.  
 
Here are some ways to evaluate if you have enough coverage for your home and personal property.  If you had a fire and everything was destroyed, how much would it cost to replace?
 
For the building, this could include roof, windows, exterior doors, wood framing, stucco, gutters, electrical, plumbing, toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, plumbing fixtures, wood/tile/marble flooring, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, shelving, drywall, insulation, baseboards, interior doors, door frames, paint, window treatments, air conditioning unit, duct system, registers, smoke alarms and more.
 
If you were able to turn your home upside down, think of all the items that would fall out. That is your personal property and contents. What would it cost to replace those belongings?
 
Being underinsured for your home or contents could cost you upwards of tens of thousands of dollars out of your pocket to rebuild and replace.
 
If you have any questions about your coverage, we have the knowledge and experience to help.  If you have a new or underpaid property damage insurance claim, find out how we can help you.  Call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.