Winter Storm Damages

House fires can be a devastating tragedy. It is important to work with professionals who are properly trained for this type emergency. They will secure the area and your valuables, eliminate safety hazards to you and the neighborhood, assess damages, and quickly restore your property to pre-loss conditions.

Fire prevention and preparedness is paramount to your safety. Taking precaution and having a plan in place will help prevent fires and greatly increase your chances of surviving a fire.

• Make sure you have properly working smoke alarms installed, check batteries monthly, and replace batteries annually or sooner if needed.
• Check for damage to electrical cords and avoid overloading electrical outlets or extension cords. Do not place cords and wires under rugs or across high traffic areas.
• Immediately shut off appliances that spark or emit an unusual smell.
• Have your chimney cleaned regularly. The chimney should be cleaned after every two cords of seasoned, dry wood is burned.
• Take care to burn candles away from combustible materials and out of reach of children and pets.
• Portable heaters should be placed on a level, non-flammable surface at least three feet away from any combustible materials. Turn off and unplug heaters when unattended. Do not use portable gas heaters or charcoal grills indoors.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher and keep it accessible and fully charged.
• Prepare and rehearse an emergency evacuation plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never open doors that are hot. Have a safe location where everyone can meet after escaping the house.
• Prepare an emergency kit consisting of at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, pet supplies, flashlight, battery-powered radio, spare batteries, and a first aid kit. This kit will be helpful even during temporary power outages.