Did you know that fires are more prevalent during winter months. The main cause for this is the increase in heating use and cooking. Cooking is the leading source of residential fires. Fires occur most often in the early evening hours and peak between 5pm and 8pm. Other causes of fires during winter months are electrical, heating, holiday decorations, winter storms, and candles.
There are some basic safety tips you can follow to help prevent fires in your home. We’ll address them one at a time over the next several blog posts. The first we’ll address is cooking fires and safety in the kitchen. First, I’ve said it many times but it bears repeating. You must have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and you must know how to use it. When you are cooking do not wear loose clothing. You also want to keep kitchen towels, sponges, paper towels and potholders away from your stove. Other items that could catch fire are food packaging, wooden utensils and curtains. Be sure your stove is plugged directly into the outlet. Never use an extension cord for your appliances. Next, be alert! Never leave cooking food unattended. Oils are highly flammable. If you are cooking and your pan catches fire put a lid on it immediately. It is a good idea to keep a lid nearby with an oven mitt just in case. Once the lid is on, turn off the heat and do not uncover until the pan has cooled completely. Likewise if your oven catches fire, turn off the heat and do not open. Let the oven cool down completely before you open it. The most important tip here is to know when to get out of the house. It is always better to be safe and call for help if a fire doesn’t seem manageable. Things can be replaced, people can’t.
Smoke damage from a fire can be just as bad as actual fire damage. Smoke residue is acidic and can damage fibers. Smoke and soot in air ducts can be recycled through your home heating/central air systems causing continual damage over time if remediation is not done. Smoke and soot behind walls can leave an odor since it can penetrate into porous surfaces. Remediation is necessary to eradicate this problem as well.
Suffering property loss from a fire can be overwhelming and stressful to say the least. No matter whether it is a localized kitchen fire or a total loss, always remember that there is someone here to help you get through the claims process. My role as a Public Adjuster is to take the burden off you and process the claim on your behalf. We meet with your insurance adjuster, document the scope of the damage, inventory your personal belongings and fight for a settlement that is fair and within the limits of your policy. We’re with you every step of the way to help you so that you can get back to what is important,,living your life. If you have any questions or if you would like a free policy review, I can always be reached on my direct line at 570-730-8607. You can also find me on Facebook here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Murphy-Public-Adjuster/186668698043821.
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