A fire is one of the biggest catastrophes a property can experience. Not only does it represent a huge risk to people’s lives, but it also causes very severe damage to the structure of the house. In Miami, in addition, it is one of the main causes of claims to insurance companies, since it represents a very important expense of money in repairs. But prevention is always better than being sorry, that’s why we present the best tips to avoid fire damage in your home.
The best tips to avoid fire damage
The first thing we must take into account is that there are two variables to avoid fire damage: prevention and combat. Prevention is important to avoid the root danger. It is about generating the safest conditions so as not to run the risk of accidentally starting a fire. Unfortunately, it is not possible to be 100% sure that an accident will not occur. For this reason, the second part of firefighting is also important, since it will minimize the damage that the flames can cause. It is important to clarify that no material possession is worth more than life, so if you are in danger it is preferable to leave everything behind and not take risks to save your belongings.
That said, one of the top tips to prevent fire damage is to have smoke detectors in every room of the house. This implies not only the placement, but also their maintenance. It is necessary to test the operation periodically to ensure that they can correctly alert in the event of a fire. It is also advisable to have fire extinguishers to fight the flames. It is convenient that they are within reach, since you never know when they will be needed and there is no time to look for them at that moment. Mainly, near the kitchen or the main sources of heat or where fire is used.
Tips to avoid fire damage: the most common problems
As we mentioned, most fires start in the kitchen. In this part of the house it is advisable to take the greatest precautions. When you are cooking, pay attention to what you are doing at all times, do not leave the oven or stove on unattended. Many times, fires are caused by human carelessness and can be avoided just by taking the necessary precautions. Remember to clean the oven and stoves so that there are no leftover food that can ignite later.
In addition to this, other tips to prevent fire damage have to do with heating systems. Carrying out the maintenance that each piece of equipment needs is essential to minimize risk. Also, if it’s mobile systems, you should place them away from any flammable objects. Cleaning the air filters and those of the dryer machine is also important to avoid dangerous overheating.
Last but not least, remember to check the electrical installation and wiring of the appliances. It is very common for fires to have their origin in an electrical fault. A short circuit or a small spark can be enough for some flammable material to ignite and the flames become uncontrollable. In the unfortunate event that a fire is unavoidable, call the fire department and leave the house immediately.
Advice from professionals
When a fire breaks out, the damage is often extensive. Luckily, there are insurances that allow you to be protected against this eventuality. By having fire insurance, you can rest assured that you will receive compensation in the event that fires destroy your home. However, it is not so easy to make a successful insurance claim, even when you are due to receive payment. There is a possibility that the company does not want to bear the cost due to the origin of the fire. If you think it was intentional or negligent on the part of the occupants of the house, the insurer will probably find a way to avoid payment.
That’s why one of the best fire damage prevention tips you can consider is calling a public adjuster in Miami with the expertise of Alconero & Associates. Not only will you benefit from making it easier to present your case, but you must also take into account the complexity of assessing damages. Fire can wreak havoc with your home’s ceilings, walls, curtains, and rugs. But you can also do the same with your furniture, appliances, and belongings. In addition, structural damage that is not visible to the naked eye must be considered. And, to top it off, the smoke, soot and even the water used by firefighters to put out the fire can continue to damage your home. To make a fair assessment of the damage and receive the compensation you deserve, our professionals will advise you in the best way.
