Posted on January 6, 2025
ICHQ | Site Author
Fires remain a serious risk. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are approximately 350,000 residential fires that cause significant damage nationwide each year. That means billions of dollars of home property damage each year. Even though insurance coverage can help, it is always best to prevent fires before they happen. A proactive approach is key. At Insurance Claim HQ, we have extensive experience handling fire damage claims. We are also very strong advocates of knowing how to prevent house fires. Within this blog post, our New Orleans fire damage lawyers provide a list of preventative measures that you can take to reduce the risk of fire loss.
Seven Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Fire Damage
1. Install—and Regularly Test—Smoke Alarms
Safety is the absolute top priority when it comes to fire prevention. There should be properly working smoke detectors in every home and business in New Orleans and throughout all of Louisiana. Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against fires in your home. You should install them on every level of your house—especially near bedrooms. With smoke detectors in place, you will be alerted quickly if a fire starts. Ideally, you can address the matter immediately. Otherwise, you should evacuate yourself and your family from the premises right away.
Safety Tip: Regularly testing your smoke alarms is crucial. Check them once a month by pressing the test button to make sure they work. You should replace the batteries at least once a year, or when the alarm chirps to signal low battery life. Replace the entire smoke alarm every ten years.
2. Keep Fire Extinguishers (and Make Sure that they Work)
Fire extinguishers are the most important tool for stopping a fire before it spreads. Too many people do not have a fire extinguisher in their home. That is a big problem because fire extinguishers can help you put out small fires before they become big ones. You should generally place fire extinguishers in key areas—like the kitchen, the garage, and near fireplaces. It is important to choose the right type of extinguisher for each location. For example, a Class B extinguisher is good for kitchen fires involving grease. Regularly check that the pressure gauge shows the extinguisher is full and that it is not damaged.
Safety Tip: Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Learn how to use it properly by using the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
3. Maintain Your Electrical System(s) and Take Care to Not Overload
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are about immediately addressing suspected fires and taking action to put them out (if possible) and get everyone to safety. How do you prevent fires from ever happening in the first place? A key point to remember is that many house fires in New Orleans are caused by electrical issues. Indeed, electrical problems are the most common cause of house fires. To prevent them, you should have a professional check your electrical system—especially if your home is older. Do not overload outlets with too many devices. You should use power strips with surge protectors and avoid plugging high-energy appliances into the same outlet. Replace damaged cords right away and never run them under rugs or furniture.
Safety Tip: If you notice flickering lights, warm outlets, or tripped breakers, these could be warning signs. Fixing electrical issues right away can help to prevent these types of fires.
4. Use the Proper Fire Prevention Materials Whenever Possible
Fire prevention materials can help to stop fires from starting and spreading. Indeed, choosing fire-resistant materials for your home can reduce the risk of fire damage. Homeowners in New Orleans should consider installing fire-rated doors and windows. Another area of concern is your roof. Metal and tile are generally safer than wood shingles. Though, you can use fire prevention materials on wood shingles to help reduce the risk. Inside your home, opt for fire-resistant insulation and furnishings. When renovating, use paints and treatments that slow the spread of fire.
Safety Tip: Even simple choices like non-flammable curtains and rugs can make a difference.
5. Try to Keep Your Property Clear of Hazardous, Combustible Materials
It is a best practice to use proper fire prevention materials in your home. It is also important to remove risky, hazardous, and highly combustible things that could quickly spread a fire. Keeping your property free of flammable items can help prevent fires. You should always store things like gasoline, propane, and paint in proper containers and away from heat sources. You should also regularly clean up dry leaves, branches, and other debris from your yard, roof, and gutters. Make sure you dispose of potentially dangerous things like oily rags properly.
Safety Tip: A tidy property can go a long way towards reducing the chances of a fire starting or spreading. Identify and remove hazardous materials.
6. Consider Sprinkler Systems in High-risk Areas
Do you have a sprinkler system installed in your home? Many people do not—especially if you live in an older property. With that being said, a sprinkler system is a safety feature that is worth considering as an investment, particularly if you have any upcoming renovations planned. Sprinklers can control or even put out a fire before it gets out of hand. They are most effective when installed throughout the home but can also be placed in specific areas like the kitchen or furnace room. Modern sprinkler systems are more affordable and less noticeable than you might think. They can also increase your home’s value and might lower your insurance costs.
7. Develop a Fire Escape Plan (Especially Important for Parents)
The goal is to prevent a fire from ever happening in the first place. With that being said, you can do everything right, but you will still not completely eliminate the risk of fire. For that reason, it is imperative that you have a comprehensive fire escape plan in place. A plan is especially important for parents of young children. You should sit down together with your family and map out at least two ways to exit each room. It is a good idea to practice the plan regularly so everyone knows what to do. You should teach children how to check if a door is hot before opening it and to stay low to avoid smoke. Finally, choose a safe meeting spot outside where everyone can gather.
Safety Tip: Do not forget to include your pets as part of your fire escape plan.
Why Trust Insurance Claim HQ for Help With a Fire Damage Claim
Fire damage claims are notoriously complex. Even after a serious fire, some homeowners struggle to get access to the full and proper benefits that they are due under the law. Do not go it alone. A top-tier New Orleans fire damage attorney can help you navigate every aspect of your claim—from an initial filing to the appeal of a denial. At Insurance Claim HQ, we firmly believe that a disaster should not leave you in pieces. Our case results demonstrate what our team can do for homeowners after a fire. Your initial consultation with our New Orleans fire damage attorney is free, confidential, and carries absolutely no obligations.
Schedule Your Free Case Review With Our New Orleans Fire Damage Lawyer Today
At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans fire damage attorneys are skilled, experienced, and committed to helping homeowners and business owners secure the maximum possible benefits.
Have any questions about a fire damage claim? Contact us today for a free, no-strings-attached case review. Our team provides fire damage claims representation in New Orleans and beyond.
