December + January Peak Months for house Fires

Did you know December and January are the peak months for house fires in the US?

According to the National Fire Protection Association , COOKING EQUIPMENT is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, with a reported $1.3 billion annually in property damage.

Here are 5 fire safety tips for cooking to help you avoid unexpected claims for house damage:

1.      Keep a lid nearby when cooking on the stovetop to slide over the pan and smother the flames.
2.      Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen and make sure it works.
3.      Have a fire blanket or fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use them.
4.      Keep the stove and oven clean: food/grease build-up can be a fire hazard..
5.      Unplug small electrical appliances when not using to prevent a fire from malfunction.

​​Be vigilant when cooking, and talk with your insurance agent at least annually to insure your replacement cost adequately covers unexpected damage.