Every year, about 3,000 Americans lose their lives in a home fire, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and many more are injured. Experienced Texas fire injury attorneys know just how devastating fire deaths and injuries can be.
Whether a home fire is started by faulty electrical wiring, a defective appliance or a dropped cigarette, family members need to know how to protect themselves from fire and escape if one starts. To review your home for fire safety, consider the following checklist:
- Do you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home? Don’t forget about basements and attics. Bedrooms should each have their own alarm as well.
- When you are cooking, does someone stay in the kitchen at all times? If not, a cooking fire might get out of hand more easily.
- Do you place space heaters at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire? Space heaters with an “automatic off” function provide an extra level of protection.
- How “healthy” are your electrical cords? Make sure the cords on all items are not cracked or damaged. Replace cords if needed.
- Can you name at least two ways to get out of every room in your home? Remember that, in a fire, one entrance or exit might be blocked.
- What should you do if your smoke alarm sounds? If you aren’t sure, sit down with your family members and create a plan for getting out of the house safely and for calling your local fire department’s emergency number.
If you do sustain considerable losses in a fire, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney right away. Another party may be at fault and owe you compensation for all relevant damages.
