1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside and outside sleeping areas, per NFPA standards.
Test alarms monthly and replace batteries annually (or use 10-year sealed battery models).
Replace alarms older than 10 years to ensure reliability.
Consider interconnected alarms so all sound when one is triggered.
Install specialized alarms (e.g., strobe lights) for hearing-impaired residents.
2. Develop and Practice a Fire Escape Plan
Create a home fire escape plan with at least two exit routes per room.
Identify a safe meeting point outside (e.g., mailbox or neighbor’s driveway).
Practice the plan with all household members twice a year, including nighttime drills.
Ensure windows and doors are easily accessible and not blocked.
Teach children how to escape independently and not to hide during a fire.
3. Reduce Fire Hazards
Keep flammable items (curtains, furniture) at least 3 feet from heat sources (space heaters, fireplaces).
Store gasoline, propane, and other flammables in approved containers outside the home.
Clean dryer vents annually to remove lint buildup, a common fire starter.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets; use surge protectors and replace frayed cords.
Turn off appliances (e.g., irons, curling irons) when not in use.
4. Maintain Heating and Cooking Equipment
Have furnaces, chimneys, and wood stoves inspected and cleaned annually by professionals.
Use fireplace screens and dispose of ashes in metal containers, stored away from the home.
Never leave cooking unattended; keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
Keep grills at least 10 feet from the home and never use them indoors.
Install a fire extinguisher (ABC type) in the kitchen and garage; learn how to use it.
5. Upgrade Home Safety Features
Consider installing residential sprinkler systems, which reduce fire damage by up to 80% (NFPA).
Use fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and decking, especially in wildfire-prone areas.
Retrofit older homes with arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to prevent electrical fires.
Plant fire-resistant landscaping (e.g., succulents) and maintain a defensible space (30 feet) around the home.
6. Secure Insurance and Documentation
Review homeowners insurance to ensure adequate coverage for fire damage and living expenses.
Consider adding endorsements for high-value items (jewelry, art) or extended replacement cost.
Create a home inventory (photos, videos, receipts) of all possessions and store it digitally off-site.
Store important documents (deeds, insurance policies) in a fireproof safe or cloud-based storage.
Confirm coverage for code upgrades, as rebuilding may require meeting current building codes.
7. Educate Household Members
Teach family members to stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire.
Train everyone to close doors when escaping to slow fire spread.
Educate on the dangers of re-entering a burning home for pets or belongings.
Enroll in community fire safety programs, such as those offered by local fire departments.
1. Inspect and Maintain Plumbing Systems
Have a licensed plumber inspect pipes annually for leaks, corrosion, or weak connections.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics) to prevent freezing and bursting.
Know the location of the main water shut-off valve and teach household members how to use it.
Replace washing machine hoses with stainless steel braided hoses every 5 years.
Install water leak detection systems (e.g., smart sensors) to alert you to leaks early.
2. Prevent Appliance-Related Water Damage
Check water heaters for rust or leaks; flush annually to remove sediment and extend life.
Replace water heaters older than 10-15 years, as they’re prone to failure.
Inspect dishwasher and refrigerator water lines for wear; replace every 5-7 years.
Ensure appliances are level and connected to drip pans to catch minor leaks.
Turn off water supply to appliances when leaving home for extended periods.
3. Maintain Gutters, Drains, and Landscaping
Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year to prevent overflow and foundation damage.
Extend downspouts 5-10 feet from the home to direct water away from the foundation.
Grade landscaping to slope away from the home, preventing water pooling.
Clear storm drains and culverts near the property to ensure proper drainage.
Trim trees and shrubs to prevent debris from clogging drainage systems.
4. Upgrade Home for Water Resistance
Install a sump pump with battery backup in basements or flood-prone areas.
Consider backflow preventers to stop sewage backups during heavy rains.
Seal foundation cracks and apply waterproof coatings to basement walls.
Elevate appliances (water heaters, furnaces) above potential flood levels.
Use water-resistant materials (tile, sealed concrete) in basements or ground floors.
5. Prepare for Flood Risks
Check if your home is in a flood zone using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov).
Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage.
Elevate valuable items (electronics, furniture) to higher floors or shelves in flood-prone areas.
Store sandbags or flood barriers for emergency use in high-risk areas.
Participate in community flood mitigation programs, such as levee maintenance.
6. Secure Insurance and Documentation
Verify that your homeowners insurance covers water damage from burst pipes or leaks.
Add sewer backup or sump pump failure endorsements if not included in your policy.
Document home condition with photos/videos before any damage occurs; store digitally.
Keep a list of emergency contacts (plumber, restoration company) and insurance details accessible.
Review policy limits for mold remediation, as water damage can lead to mold growth.
7. Educate and Prepare Household
Teach family members how to shut off water and electricity in case of a leak.
Create an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and waterproof containers for documents.
Train household members to recognize signs of water damage (stains, musty odors).
Plan for temporary relocation in case of severe water damage; identify nearby accommodations.
Stay informed about local weather alerts for heavy rain or flooding risks.
General Pre-Loss Tips
Conduct Regular Home Inspections: Walk through your home quarterly to check for fire hazards (e.g., clutteredstorage) or water risks (e.g., damp spots).
Hire Licensed Professionals: Use certified contractors for electrical, plumbing, or structural work to ensure compliance with safety codes.
Leverage Technology: Install smart home devices (smoke detectors, leak sensors) that send alerts to your phone.
Stay Informed: Attend local disaster preparedness workshops or review resources from FEMA, Red Cross, or NFPA.
Backup Valuables: Use cloud storage for digital backups of photos, documents, and inventories to ensure access post-loss.
Review Insurance Annually: Update coverage as home value or contents change; ask about discounts for safety upgrades (sprinklers, alarms).
Resources
NFPA Fire Prevention: www.nfpa.org/Public-Education
FEMA Flood Preparedness: www.fema.gov/floods
Red Cross Home Safety: www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies
National Flood Insurance Program: www.floodsmart.gov