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Fire Facts
Did you know. . .
- A residential fire occurs in the United States every 67 seconds.
- Accidents related to cooking usually cause more residential fires than any
other known cause.
- Careless smoking is the leading known cause of residential fire deaths.
- Arson is the No. 1 cause of nonresidential fires.
Before a Fire. . .
- Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property
and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other
valuables.
- Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on
each level of your home.
- Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month.
- Replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year.
- Install a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter.
- Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
- Select a location outside your home to serve as meeting place after escaping.
- Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
After a Fire. . .
- Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
- Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
- Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
- Keep all receipts.
- Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
- Take photos of damaged areas.
- Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company
adjuster.
- Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers
or public adjusters .
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