Purchase & Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers

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I was speaking with a customer earlier today about a remodel project that they have planned.  When I asked about fire extinguishers for the project, I was pleased with their rapid response that they would go out and purchase some immediately!
  According to a National Fire Protection Association study, there are approximately 400,000 house fires each year in the United States, which account for 75 percent of all structure fires. This study also indicated that residential fires result in over 3,700 deaths per year. Indeed, fires typically kill more Americans than all other natural disasters combined.
Having properly placed fire extinguishers in your home is an excellent loss control measure that targets the most common cause of property loss.  
Before purchasing fire extinguishers, learn about the different types of fire extinguishers. There are four basic types, as follows.

• Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. 
• Class B extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, and oil. 
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for electrically energized fires. 
• Class D extinguishers should be used on flammable metals and are typically specific for the type of metal in question. 

We all now that having fire extinguishers makes sense unfortunately, most of us buy them, hang them, and then neglect them.  It's like a Ron Popeil rotisserie commercial, "Set it and forget it!"  Unfortunately, our inaction may lead to an extinguisher's inaction as well when called upon.  So, what can we do to make sure our extinguishers are in good working order?The following are some tips concerning this important fire protection device.

• Most home fire safety experts recommend medium size, multipurpose fire extinguishers that are labeled as suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires. 
• A fire extinguisher should be kept in your garage, kitchen, and on each floor of your home. 
• You and other potential users in your household should thoroughly read the extinguisher's instructions on a periodic basis. 
• A professional fire equipment supplier should inspect each extinguisher annually. 

Note that prices on fire extinguishers start at around $20. Many insurers offer modest premium credits to encourage homeowners to purchase and maintain extinguishers.

TAKE ACTIVE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR WATER DAMAGE LOSSES

Living in Northern Idaho, flash flooding never crossed my mind.  ...not until January 2010.  We had endured many days of sub zero temperatures followed by heavy snowfall.  A sudden warm front moved through, bringing with it heavy rains.  The combination of warm air and rain turned all the snow to water, water that couldn't seep into the still-frozen ground!  I worked till late into the night helping my friends sandbag to protect their properties.  This picture was shot the next day after much of the water had receded and is a great example of the wicking properties of T-111 siding.  As far as I know, this was the only home to sustain significant damage. 

Water damage from naturally occurring floods and mechanical breakdowns cause extensive and catastrophic losses to homes every year. But there are numerous ways you can safeguard your home from these losses, including the following.

• Your home's drainage system should be checked to verify that proper water drainage occurs. For example, gutter downspouts should extend the proper distance from the foundation.
• Your yard should be properly graded to slope away from your home to allow surface water to adequately drain. French drains can also assist in this process.
• A sump pump system should be considered in your basement to keep unwanted water out of this vulnerable part of your home.
• Periodically check your washing machine hoses since these hose failures cause millions of dollars of water losses each year. Hoses should be replaced at the first sign of wear. Consider upgrading to the heavy-duty wire mesh hoses or stainless steel hoses during this replacement.
• Ascertain the location of your main water shutoff valve. Water shut-off valves should be installed on water lines under toilets and sinks and water lines leading to outside faucets.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.