The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that winter fires cause approximately $3 billion in damages each year. Residential fires account for nearly two-thirds of that property loss. For a number of reasons, fires in the winter are a serious safety hazard.
A home fire is a serious tragedy. The good news is that many are preventable. There are winter safety tips for the home that you can use to reduce the risk of a fire. At Insurance Claim HQ, we want to make sure you have the knowledge and resources to protect your family and your property. Here, our New Orleans fire damage attorney provides fire safety tips to protect your home this winter.
Five Winter Fire Tips You Can Use This Year
1. Know How Your Home is Heated
Some winter house fires are caused by problems related to heating. With that in mind, it is important that you understand how exactly your home is heated. Indeed, all homeowners in the Gulf Coast region should take time to understand how their home stays warm in the winter.
Whether you rely on a furnace, wood stove, or electric heating, each method carries unique fire risks. You should check fuel lines, vents, and electrical connections regularly. If you use oil or gas, you should ensure tanks are secure and inspect for leaks. For homes with baseboard or radiator heating, clearing the nearby furniture and clutter can help reduce the risk of a fire.
2. Be Especially Careful With Space Heaters and Fireplaces
There are two types of winter heating that carry a heightened risk of causing a fire: 1) Space heaters and 2) Fireplaces. With either, it is especially important to take the proper safety precautions. While space heaters and fireplaces can make a room cozy in the winter, they are both fire hazards. Here are the basic tips to keep in mind:
- Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, like curtains, blankets, or furniture. Never leave them unattended or running overnight.
- Fireplaces: With fireplaces, ensure the chimney is clean before use. Always use a fire screen to catch sparks and fully extinguish fires before leaving the room or going to bed.
3. Keep Your Furnace Clean and in Proper Working Condition
While furnaces are not associated with as many fires as space heaters and fireplaces, they do carry some risks. Indeed, a neglected furnace can absolutely lead to dangerous fires. All homeowners should schedule a professional inspection of their furnace on a periodic basis—ideally before winter begins. You should also replace dirty filters in order to improve airflow and reduce the risk of overheating. Make sure that you keep the area around your furnace clear of dust, boxes, and flammable items. If you hear unusual noises or notice unusual smells, shut off the furnace right away. That is a sign that you need to call a professional for service. There may be a fire hazard.
4. Beware of Dryer Fire Risk
One of the most underappreciated winter fire risks comes from dryers. Many people have washing machines and dryers in their home and do not think twice about the risk of a fire. You should clean the lint trap in your dryer after every use. It is important to prevent buildup. You should also check the vent pipe regularly for lint or debris that can restrict airflow and spark fires. The best fire safety practices for dryers is to have the unit cleaned by a professional on an annual basis.
5. Develop a Plan for a Fire Emergency
Even if you do everything right, you cannot completely eliminate the risk of a fire. With that in mind, it is crucial that people and families have a comprehensive fire emergency plan in place. You should start by sitting down and mapping out two exit routes from every room. It is also a best practice to designate a safe meeting spot outside the home. Finally, you should test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Proper preparation can help to keep your family safe if a fire happens.
How to File a Claim for Fire Damage
If your home sustained significant fire damage due to a winter fire, it is crucial that you take action to protect your rights and your interests. Among other things, this means filing for any property insurance benefits available through your homeowners’ coverage. Here are key points that homeowners and business owners should know about filing a fire damage claim:
- Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately: You should report the fire as soon as possible. Provide your policy number and a brief description of the damage.
- Document the Loss: Documentation of a fire damage is key to bringing a successful claim. Be sure to take clear photos and videos of the damage to your property—including structural damage and the destruction to your personal belongings.
- Secure the Property: You should prevent further damage by boarding up windows, tarping the roof, or shutting off utilities. This step is known as mitigating your losses and it is generally required by your insurance policy.
- Make a Detailed Inventory of Your Damages: You should list all damaged or lost items with descriptions, estimated values, and receipts (if possible). The more comprehensive your damages, the better positioned you will be to get benefits.
Why Trust Insurance Claim HQ for a Fire Damage Claim
A fire in the winter can be especially challenging to deal with. It is imperative that you are prepared to take on the claims process. Your property insurance policy exists, in large part, to help you recover from a serious disaster, including a fire.
Unfortunately, many policyholders struggle to get access to the full and fair benefits that they are entitled to under their policy. At Insurance Claim HQ, we are dedicated to helping clients maximize their recovery. Our record of case results speaks for itself. If you have any questions about a fire damage case—whether you are bringing an initial claim or your claim has already been denied—we are here to help.
Get Help From a New Orleans Fire Damage Lawyer Today
At Insurance Claim HQ, our New Orleans fire damage attorneys are always prepared to go the extra mile to help policyholders get justice and the maximum financial support. If your property sustained significant fire damage, we are here to help with the claims process. Give us a call now or contact us online for your free, no-obligation case review. We handle fire damage property insurance claims in New Orleans, Louisiana, and throughout the Gulf Coast region.
