House fires happen fast. They can happen while you’re cooking, as a result of an accident, or as a result of faulty wiring or heating equipment. They can happen while you’re asleep or in the middle of the day. When a house fire happens, you have to get your family and yourself out as quickly and safely as possible. Your home insurance is meant to help you rebuild after the fire has been put out.
These are some of the most common causes of house fires in North America:
#1 Candles
Candles left in unoccupied rooms are a major source of house fires, especially during the holidays when they are often placed too close to blankets or other flammable materials as part of festive decorations.
#2 Cooking Fires
Cooking fires are often the result of leaving cooking equipment unattended with the stove set to high temperatures. A grease splatter or overheated pan can lead to a fire within seconds. Learn about how to douse grease fires, and always keep a fire extinguisher close by. You may be able to douse a cooking fire before it gets out of control.
#3 Your Home Heating System
Home heating systems, including furnaces, are responsible for 14% of house fires and are the primary reason more house fires occur during the winter than other times of the year. Heating is second only after cooking as the leading cause of house fires.
While old and faulty furnace components are a serious risk, alternative heating equipment like wood stoves and space heaters are considerably more dangerous. Do not leave space heaters unattended.
#4 Careless Smoking
Careless smoking and carelessly discarded cigarette butts are another major risk factor. To avoid house fires caused by smoking, never smoke in bed or leave ashtrays on top of fabric surfaces like the couch or carpet. You should also use a dedicated ashtray outside, and never toss butts from a balcony or dispose of them in potting soil.
#5 Wiring Problems
Older houses may have inadequate wiring – a result of outdated building codes or fraying caused by rodents. Some signs to look out for include a breaker that frequently trips or lights that dim when you turn on another appliance
After a house fire, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance provider and begin filing a claim. House fires can cause extensive damage to your home, your property, and your personal belongings. Your insurance coverage helps you rebuild and recover. The insurance company will hire an insurance adjuster to estimate and evaluate claims such as the extent and value of the damage to your dwelling and lost property.
You have the option of hiring someone to represent you as well. You can hire a public adjuster or a lawyer with knowledge of home insurance. Opting for a home insurance lawyer may be an effective way to negotiate with the insurance company, since a home insurance lawyer can represent you all the way from the informal and cost-effective negotiation phase, through the dispute resolution process, or even the legal process if necessary. You should click here to learn more about hiring a home insurance lawyer instead of a public adjuster when you have a dispute with your insurance company.
A house fire is a frightening experience. Hiring someone to help you through the process can ease the stress and make it easier to ensure you do everything to maximize your settlement.
You must be logged in to post a comment.