There’s something about the fall that makes home feel extra cozy—pumpkin spice candles flickering on the counter, pumpkin spice coffee steaming in your mug, pumpkin pie waiting for a dollop of whipped cream, pumpkin seeds roasting in the oven—maybe it’s all the pumpkin?
As we all lean into sweater weather, pumpkin carving, and the season of decorating, let’s also work to make sure that your cozy home is a safe home.
October is Fire Prevention Month—here are a few simple tips to help you keep the home fires burning where they belong: inside the fireplace.
Don’t Overload Outlets
As much as you might want to Clark Griswold it this holiday season, daisy chaining multiple extension cords together to light up those ancient lights isn’t the best idea.
Even adorable pumpkin lights and dancing skeletons draw more power than you think, so no matter what season you’re decorating for—Halloween inflatables or Santa’s sleigh and reindeer—make sure all your cords are in good condition, with no frays, no cracks, and no “it’s fine, just wiggle it.”
Bonus Tip: Some insurance carriers and homeowners are using smart tech like Ting, a plug-in device that detects electrical hazards before they cause fires. Whether through Wichert Insurance or on your own, it’s a clever bit of tech that’s keeping an eye on your wiring, even when you can’t.
Be Candle Smart
Candles make your home smell like apple pie heaven, but they’re also a leading cause of house fires this time of year. Don’t leave candles unattended, keep them at least a foot away from anything that can burn, and perhaps consider battery-operated candles for the same ambiance without the risk.
Keep Heat Sources Clear
Every space heater, fireplace, and radiator needs at least a three-foot zone of safety around them. Keep this in mind as you decorate your mantlepiece and arrange your blankets.
Cook with Care
Tis the season for stove and oven overtime! As you bake your pumpkin-everything and whip up your favorite soups on the stove, stay close to the things you’re making, keep towels and oven mitts away from burners, and don’t forget to check that the oven is off before you head to bed.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
It’s no secret that smoke alarms save lives. If yours keeps chirping, don’t just turn it off and take out the battery—replace the batteries and test your alarms monthly.
If the Unthinkable Happens, Homeowners Insurance Helps You Recover after a Fire
Even the most careful homeowners can experience a fire. Insurance coverage helps you recover if something does happen.
Your homeowner’s policy can cover:
- Repairing or replacing damaged property
- Temporary housing if your home is unlivable
- Replacing belongings lost to smoke or fire damage
If you’ve recently made updates to your home or added new valuables, now’s the time to review your policy with your local Wichert agent. Making sure you’re properly covered before disaster strikes is one of the best fire prevention moves you can make.
Settle into a Warm and Safe Season
With these checks in place, you can go ahead and snuggle up with your favorite pumpkin-flavored treat and enjoy the sweetness of the season. With a little care and a good insurance plan, you can keep your home both festive and fire-free.
Connect with your local, independent Wichert agent today to get a quote or update your policy.