Keith Wainauski
In speaking with many consumers about their homeowners premiums the consistent theme I’ve been hearing from all of them is “how can they save money on their insurance premiums?” Hopefully many of them had a opportunity to read my last posting. Today I would like to discuss a “hidden” factor that effects all of our homeowners premiums.
We Are All In a Group
Whether we realize it or not, we are all in a “group” with our home and auto insurance. What I mean by this is that our insurance rates are effected by the overall performance of the “group” we are a part of – that “group” being all the other people/businesses that are insured by the same insurance company. So what does that have to do with “fire safety”? Well, if we can all practice the following 3.5 things in our own homes, ALL of our rates will be effected in a positive manor – more money in our pockets instead of the insurance companies!
1. Never leave stove unattended
Besides arson – the second leading cause of home fires is leaving a stove or grill unattended while cooking. Too many, the thought that anyone would leave their stoves or grills unattended while cooking sound absurd. But in reality, I think most of us that have cooked anything in our lives will have to admit we have left our stoves or grills at one time or another while cooking. In today’s world the art of “multi-tasking” is something that is practiced daily by many single moms and dads – they are cleaning the house, starting a new load of laundry, helping their 13 year old with their homework, and preparing the bath for their 6 year old – all while preparing dinner to be served promptly at 6:00 PM to the entire family!! So there are many times and opportunities in our busy lives to step away from the stove or grill. Unfortunately this is when most cooking related fires occur. So if you are not able to stay at or near the stove while cooking – here is a possible solution to prevent this type of fire – it’s a product called Stove Top Fire Stop. Of course having any type of fire extinguisher is better than nothing. Also, knowing how to handle a cooking fire is extremely important – watch this video on the proper way to put out a grease/oil fire –
2. Smoke detectors Save Lives
This really sounds like a no brainer – but you’d be surprised how many homes have NO working smoke detectors?? That’s right, it does sound crazy, but many people have either deactivated (by taking them down) or have not replaced the batteries in the units in years! Well, I hate to tell you, but the only way the detector is going to work is it has to be properly mounted and it should have a fresh set of batteries. The batteries should be changed at least once a year – the easiest way to remember to change them is when the time changes (daily savings time) which happens to be this coming weekend!!! Obviously a good smoke detector can provide us with enough advance notice to active our fire safety plan and safely exit the home.
3. Have a Fire Safety Plan
This sounds good and everyone should have one, but the truth is that most homeowners do NOT have a plan in place in case of fire. Unfortunetly when a fire occurs it is to late to plan – you should have already set up a plan – whether you live alone, or you have a house full of people – having a good exit plan is extremely important. If you need help putting together a good plan, contact your local fire station and ask them for some help – most fire departments would be glad to assist in putting together a good plan.
3.5 Start Now – don’t wait
The most important thing any of us can do is start doing these things now – do not wait for a better day or time, because there is no better day than today. A fire can start anytime, and in many different ways, the important things is to be prepared so that if something like this occurs, you and your family will be prepared.
