With Houston's colder weather, more families are tempted to stay indoors, light fireplaces, and cook at home to avoid the chilly temperatures. Unfortunately, the arrival of winter weather also means an increase in house fires due to fireplace, candle and cooking accidents. In today's blog post, we'll highlight several ways individuals and families can increase fire safety in their home to avoid personal injury or major property damage.

Develop An Exit Strategy

One of the most proactive steps in increasing fire safety in your home is to develop a fire exit strategy with all family members. Each family member should be familiar with all possible exits, and there should be designated roles and meeting locations so all family members know where to go in the event of a fire. Families should have an annual fire drill to practice exit strategies, especially for families with young children and families living in apartment complexes.

Check for Working Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers

Homeowners and renters should regularly check smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Batteries should be checked and detectors should be tested annually to ensure proper functionality. Also, be sure your home has at least two working fire extinguishers, one in the kitchen and one in the garage, to help put out small fires or help provide a clear exit during a large fire.

Improve Cooking Safety

One of the most common causes of house fires is unattended cooking pots and pans on the stove. Grease fires can spread quickly and can cause massive property damages, as well as injuries and even death to family members. In addition, homeowners and apartment renters should also use caution when grilling outdoors or deep-frying turkeys for holiday meals as these can cause massive injuries and property damage when not done safely.

Use Caution With Fireplaces, Space Heaters and Candles

Some older Houston homes and apartments may not heat as well, so property owners may rely on fireplaces, space heaters and candles for added warmth. Homeowners and renters should avoid using space heaters or candles near flammable materials or near children as they can quickly cause fires or personal injuries. In addition, fireplace screens should be used to prevent sparks and embers from flying out and starting fires in the home.

This winter, keep your family and your property safe from fires with these simple preventative measures. Aegis also offers affordable and reliable insurance coverage options to keep individuals and families well protected from property losses due to fires. Aegis is a Houston-based insurance agency that specializing in helping individuals, families, and businesses stay protected with a full range of insurance policies, including Homeowners, Renters, Auto, Life Insurance, and Commercial Insurance coverage. Contact the friendly and knowledgeable agents of Aegis at 713-850-7622 or go online for a free quote today!