Category: Homeowners Insurance

In honor of Red Cross Month, we are highlighting this admirable organization and how it helps people across the country. We’re also filling homeowners in on how they can be better prepared to handle emergencies on their own, which can have some serious home insurance benefits.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was founded more than 130 years ago to provide humanitarian aid to people across the U.S. It was President Roosevelt who named March Red Cross Month in 1943, and every president has done the same ever since.

The organization is well known for their blood drives, which the Red Cross started in 1941. After just four years they had collected over 13 million units of blood. Today, the Red Cross supplies 40% of the country’s blood – over 6 million units a year. The non-profit also organizes CPR and first aid courses around the country, and it mobilizes volunteers to help when disasters or emergencies strike.

Preparing for a Disaster with an Emergency Kit

One way you can do your part to help the Red Cross is by being prepared with an emergency kit. When a disaster strikes you can be left with little time to react. Your kit should include a number of essentials that are useful in a variety of situations. There should be enough supplies to last at least 72 hours.

• First aid kit – antiseptic, bandages, etc.
• Water – 1 gallon per person, per day
• Food – long-term stored food is the best option
• Waterproof matches
• Radio – hand crank or battery operated
• Flashlight with batteries
• Tarp or plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Can opener
• Garbage bags
• Local map

During emergencies and disasters utilities will likely be unavailable, so you should prepare accordingly. The Red Cross also suggests that people carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in their car.

Emergency Preparedness and Your Home Insurance

Taking precautions to keep your home protected from the unexpected will not only minimize potential damage and safeguard your assets, it will also help to reduce your insurance costs. Natural disasters cost insurance companies a lot of money each year, and homeowners that help to lower that cost will reap the rewards.

Here are some home improvements that can help protect your property and lower your insurance premiums.

• A roof that is wind resistant
• Storm shutters
• Storm doors
• Shatterproof windows

These improvements can have a significant impact in lowering rates, especially for those living in coastal regions. Once you’ve made these improvements, don’t forget to let your home insurance company know about it so they can update your policy. You can also call Biscoe Insurance Group to discuss additional home improvements that could potentially lower your premiums.

Image Source: www.flickr.com/photos/ooocha/2578148311

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/preparing-home-disasters-emergencies

Most Texas winters are relatively mild for much of the state, but that doesn’t mean extremes don’t happen. Rain, sleet, hail, snow – they are all possible in any given year and in some places they are a regular occurrence. Low temps can cause serious issues for your home from the roof all the way down to the foundation. One hard freeze is all it takes to create a disaster that can destroy your belongings and cause costly repairs.

Knowing how to handle disaster situations and how to avoid them in the first place will help you get through the rough winter months without a catastrophe.

Your Utilities

A serious winter storm can wreak havoc on the power grid, and even strong winds paired with a freeze can be enough to down limbs that land on electrical lines. During a natural disaster FEMA suggests that homeowners shut down utilities to avoid potential hazards that can cause floods or fires.

There are three systems everyone in the house should know how to shut down: the gas, water and electricity.

Shutting Off the Gas

The process for shutting off gas to a home can vary depending on the connection. The safest way to determine how to shut off your gas is to call your gas company. They will go over the proper procedure with you as well as any tools that may be needed. In the event that you do have to turn the gas off do not turn it back on yourself. It’s best to have a professional come out to ensure everything is safe before turning the gas back on.

If you ever smell gas or hear a hiss that could be the sound of a gas leak immediately open a window and get everyone out of the house. Call the gas company so they can come inspect the situation.

Shutting Off the Water

Knowing how to shut off the water is essential if a pipe bursts, and it’s also recommended by FEMA because if any water lines crack during a natural disaster the water can become contaminated.

Step 1. Located the main shutoff valve. If you can’t locate it on your own contact your water supplier for assistance.

Step 2. Point out the main shutoff valve to everyone in the house to ensure everyone knows where it is and how to turn it off.

Step 3. Make sure you have any necessary tools nearby if the valve is hard to shut off by hand.

Shutting Off the Electricity

In some cases it’s necessary to shut off the electricity during a natural disaster. Here are the steps for doing so:

Step 1. Locate the circuit box.

Step 2. Inform every household member of where the circuit box is located.

Step 3. To shut off all of the electricity switch the main circuit breaker off. It’s usually located at the top of the switch board.

A winter storm could unexpectedly shut off the utilities for you, leaving you without heat and electricity. Consider getting a backup generator, especially if anyone in the household has medical conditions that need to be attended to on a daily basis.

Pipes

One of the most common problems during the winter is frozen pipes. This will not only cut off your water supply, but it can also cause pipes to burst. When that happens serious damage can be done in a short period of time. And if you didn’t take the proper steps to prevent it from happening it may not be covered on your insurance. Proper steps to preventing water damage from a frozen pipe include:

1. Shutting off the water supply.
2. Draining the system.
3. Keeping your house properly heated even when you’re not in the home.

Exterior pipes are the most likely to cause serious problems if they aren’t maintained. Water that’s trapped inside can easily freeze over and damage the pipes so draining them is an important preventative step. Next, use foam insulation tape to cover all exterior pipes. It may also be best to cut off water to exterior pipes if they will not be used during the winter months.

If you know the temperatures will drop below freezing leave a faucet on a slow drip to help prevent a pipe burst. This won’t prevent water from freezing, but it will help to relieve pressure that causes a pipe to burst.

The Heating Systems

When the temperature drops the heating system kicks into overdrive. All that extra work can put strain on the system if it isn’t properly maintained, leaving you with an unheated house that’s more susceptible to other cold-related problems like pipes freezing over. Another concern is that if damage occurs because a home isn’t properly heated then your insurance may not cover it.

Change the filters to keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible. If the system is more than a few years old it is also a good idea to have a pro come do an annual inspection on the entire system.

Other systems to check and service include:

• Furnace
• Hot Water Heater
• Fireplace

We can’t always prevent disasters from occurring, but we can plan for them. Knowing how to control your utilities helps you do both.

Image Source: http://blueblood-immortal.deviantart.com/art/Winter-Central-Texas-Winter-188069188

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/homeowners-guide-coping-texas-winter-weather

The holidays symbolize a time of joy and giving. In that thread of thought, you should be giving your first line of defense against fires your undivided attention during the holiday season.

That’s right, smoke detectors are pieces of fire safety equipment every house should have. But it’s not enough to simply install them. You have to regularly test and maintain your smoke detectors to ensure they are operating properly day in and day out. The holidays are the perfect time to do so because lights, dry foliage and increased kitchen activity are all added fire hazards that can turn the happiest time of year into a nightmare.

We’ve put together three lists of quick tips to help homeowners make sure their fire alarms are working perfectly during the holidays and throughout the year.

Installation Tips for Fire Alarms

• Fire alarms should be installed high on the wall or on the ceiling. This is because smoke rises, making the alarms more effect than if they were placed down low.
• Install a fire alarm in each bedroom of the house.
• Install at least one fire alarm on every level of your home. This includes the basement and attic if it has been converted into a living space.
• Write the date of the install on the back of each fire alarm to serve as an expiration date (see below for more details).

Testing Tips for Fire Alarms

• Testing should be done after installation and on a regular basis thereafter ensure that the batteries haven’t died and that each alarm is still mechanically sound.
• Know your equipment. Fire alarms can either be powered solely by batteries, or they can be hard-wired into the home’s electrical system with batteries used as back up during power outages. Additionally fire alarms are either ionization, photoelectric or dual detectors. Dual provides the best coverage since ionization and photoelectric sensors detect different types of fires.
• If anyone else is in the home during the testing give them a fair warning before you start setting off the alarms.
• It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for testing your fire alarm, but most alarms can be tested by pressing and holding down the test button.
• It may take a second or two before it makes a high-pitch sound. That is what you want to hear. If the siren is low or inconsistent the batteries need to be replaced.
• If you have to replace the batteries check the alarm again to ensure it is working properly.
• Examine the smoke detector’s grates to make sure dust and dirt haven’t built up. This can potentially block smoke and make the fire alarm less sensitive or even keep it from working altogether.
• You can also test the fire alarms with actual smoke. You’ll need matches and a glass of water. Get directly under the smoke alarm, light a match then blow it out so the smoke goes into the alarm. Put the match in the glass of water and wait a few moments for the smoke detector to register the smoke and react. If the alarm doesn’t go off replace the batteries and check again. If the alarm doesn’t react after getting new batteries the unit may need to be replaced.
• While you’re testing enlist the help of a family member or friend to help listen for the alarm. The other person should stand as far away from the alarm as possible. If they can’t hear the alarm clearly another fire alarm may need to be installed to ensure they can be heard everywhere in the house.

Maintenance Tips for Fire Alarms

•  Test your fire alarms once a month to ensure they are still working properly. Letting maintenance lapse longer than that is risky when it comes to safety devices.
• Check the expiration date. Like many products these alarms have a recommended shelf life. They may not be making noise, but fire alarms are constantly running. After about 10 years the constant use will catch up and they will no longer be effective.
• Replace batteries every six months. This is the best way of ensuring that you don’t lose battery power between monthly checks.
• If a fire alarm gives off false signals or is frequently set off by smoke from the kitchen or fireplace the batteries can wear out quicker, so you may need to check these more frequently and replace the batteries more often.

Tested and maintained fire alarms are possibly the best gift you can give your family this holiday season. These simple yet critical safety devices have been proven to increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50%. Don’t forget the extra batteries – they make perfect stocking stuffers!

For more tips on fire safety for the home check out our blog Fireplace Safety – Keeping Warm Without Creating a Fire Hazard!

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulad/287385862/

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/smoke-detector-safely-holidays

Ordering holiday gifts online has become just about as common as buying in-stores these days, especially with all the great Cyber Monday deals. If you’re like us you eagerly await for the packages to arrive, tracking them as they make their way to the door.

But every now and then holiday packages don’t arrive when they’re supposed to or are so banged up they’re basically destroyed. Insurance companies often get calls with clients filing claims on the stolen or damaged package. Unfortunately, even if the homeowner ordered the item, mailed packages aren’t covered under home insurance. The item isn’t yet in the home and isn’t listed as personal property on the insurance policy.

What to do When Holiday Packages Go Missing

Still waiting on that holiday package that was supposed to arrive days ago? If it still hasn’t made it within a day or so of when it was supposed to arrive here’s what to do:

• Check the tracking number first if you have one. Sometimes the status will change, especially in busy seasons.
• If it is showing that the package was delivered giving the shipper a call ASAP. Confirm that the package was in fact delivered and the person who delivered it. Report that the package has apparently been stolen.
• Check with the sender to see if insurance was purchased. If you don’t have insurance chances are you will only be reimbursed for the cost of the shipping as long as you have the receipt for it.
• Next contact the person or business you bought them item through. Companies like PayPal have been known to reimburse people for items that get stolen or lost during the shipping process, and Amazon will send a replacement.
• If that didn’t rectify the situation give your credit card company a call if it was used to make the purchase. There’s a chance, depending on the company, that they’ll remove the charge.
• It’s also a good idea to report the incident to the local police.
• If it shows that the package hasn’t yet arrived but it is days late there’s a good chance it was lost somewhere along the way. A call to the shipper to alert them of the problem is the best step to take. After that be diligent in tracking the package and keep contacting the shipper if the status doesn’t change.

What to do When Holiday Packages Arrive Damaged

When a package does arrive but it is completely beat up and damaged that’s a whole other ball game. Here’s how to handle damaged packages.

• Before moving or opening the package to check on the item inside take pictures of it from all sides. This will help support your claim of the condition it arrived in.
• First contact the sender – they may have to provide documentation for the following steps. The sender may also send a replacement right away to make up for the damaged item.
• Next contact the shipper to issue a damage claim.
• The shipper may want to check out the package to figure out if this was something that was their fault or because the person or business sending the item didn’t package it correctly. Their findings will be sent to the sender not the receiver.
• If the shipper was found to be in fault they will reimburse the sender, not the receiver. It’s important that you keep in contact with the sender to either receive reimbursement yourself or a replacement item. Businesses like eBay have buyer protection plans and will work with the seller to rectify the situation.

Shipping Insurance is Your Best Bet

The insurance offered by the shipper will give you the best protection on packages being mailed to your home. This addition is always recommended on high priced items like electronics or fragile items that can easily break in transit.

Check with the business or individual you are buying from to see if they plan to purchase shipping insurance or if it is included with the shipping cost you paid. If not request that insurance be purchased, but expect that it will cost you a few extra dollars that are well worth it.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/halfbisqued/2353845688/

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/call-holiday-packages-dont-arrive

As the weather outside cools down, millions of people keep it warm indoors with a fireplace. A fire can be cozy and enjoyable or a serious safety hazard. According to a FEMA more than a third of house fires in rural regions are a result of heating fires.

Unlike other fire starters – lightening and forest fires – you have the ability to prevent a house fire before it happens. Here’s how.

Clean It Out Before Firing It Up

Build up in the chimney accounts for many home fires. It’s important to have the chimney inspected and cleaned regularly by a licensed or certified professional. Also clear the hearth of soot and debris before starting a fire.

A Fireplace Screen is a Must

Fireplace screens keep fire where it should be. Even the smallest embers and sparks can create a huge fire if they drift out of the hearth. Screens should be a metal mesh, and for the best protection choose one that also has glass doors that can be opened while the fire is going and closed once it’s put out.

Know How to Safely Start a Fire

Fireplaces can either be wood burning, gas or both. Regardless of the type of fireplace you have, here are tips for getting a fire started safely.

• First make sure the flue is open so that smoke can escape.
• Use dry wood for burning – moist wood will cause buildup in the chimney.
• Put logs near the back on a grate with larger logs on the bottom.
• Never use flammable liquids and never turn the gas all the way up.
• Use a lighter with a long neck or long matches to light the fire.

Don’t Overdo It

Build a small fire that will burn out by the time you’re ready to leave your house or head to bed. You can always add to the fire if you want to keep it going. Building a large fire can lead to a lot of problems – logs that roll off the grate, fires that burn too long and fires that create a lot of smoke.

Don’t Restrict Air Flow

Cutting off the air supply can lead to creosote buildup. Instead keep the air inlets open.

Keep the Area Clear of Clutter

Even if you have a screen, sparks can escape whenever it’s opened. Never leave anything flammable around the fireplace. This includes blankets, papers and kindling.

Never Leave Things Lit

No fire should be left unattended – ever. If the fire is still going but you have to leave the fireplace, put it out.

There are two more things that you can do to protect your home whether or not you use a fireplace – install smoke alarms and get home insurance. Every year thousands of homes catch fire resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths, over 12,500 injuries and $7.3 billion of dollars in damage. Smoke alarms can save a person’s life and home insurance can protect your financial well-being.

Before dusting off your fireplace this fall, protect yourself and your home with proper maintenance, preparation and safety precautions.

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/fireplace-safety-keeping-warm-without-creating-fire-hazard

If you’ve just bought a new home or are in the process you may have heard home warranties mentioned a time or two. Until you buy a home you’ve likely never come across such a product. All too often people confuse home warranties with home insurance, but they are decidedly very different.

Home Warranties Aren’t a Substitute for Home Insurance

A key indicator that home warranties aren’t a substitute for home insurance is the fact that your mortgage company will almost always require you to have home insurance whereas a home warranty is completely optional. Here’s why:

A home warranty doesn’t protect the structure of your house or your property, just certain equipment and systems within the home. If there is a flood, fire or break-in a home warranty won’t help you.

Here’s the home warranty basics:

• You pay a one-time fee (typically $250-500) to establish the warranty.
• If a covered item needs repair or replacement the home warranty company will send out a pro of their choice to fix the equipment.
• You’ll have to pay a service fee for the fix – average fee is $50-75.

It’s a benefit if you have something major break down like the HVAC or have multiple items need repair within the term of the warranty. However, some components covered by the home warranty may already be covered by your home insurance. But unlike home insurance, with a home warranty you don’t have control over who the repairman is. The home warranty company will select someone from their pool of vendors.

Deciding Whether or Not to Get a Home Warranty

The home warranty can provide extra protection, but is it worth the cost? Look at what the warranty actually covers and ask yourself:

• Are a number of the items already covered by your home insurance?
• Is the equipment in your home new or on their last leg?
• How likely are these things to break down within the term of the contract?
• How comprehensive is the coverage? Are all the parts of a component covered or just a select few?

If the home seller is willing to pay for the home warranty by all means go ahead and get one. However, just be aware that you will have to pay for it after the first year if you want to keep it. Instead of a home warranty, you can always opt to increase the coverage on your homeowners insurance and ask about additional coverage like major appliance insurance.

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/home-warranties-arent-insurance

A break-in can happen at any time. However, in Texas the day that your home is most likely to get broken into is August 10^th. A recent report released by Allstate Insurance Company analyzed three years worth of claims data to identify the top three days of the year that a home in Texas is most likely to be burglarized.  Those days are:

#1 – August 10^th

#2 – October 1^st

#3 – January 1^st

The report looked at claims made between 2010 and 2012. It should also be noted that the data is specific to the 545,000 Texas homes insured by Allstate, which is equal to approximately 12% of homes in the state.

In this post we’ll explain possible reasons why August 10^th has the highest rate for break-ins, what burglars look for and how you can protect your home.

Why August 10^th?

Burglaries happen when you’re away from home. So during August when a lot of people are on vacations, it’s a prime time for burglars looking to break into vacant homes. They will seek out homes where there is a lack of activity and signs that you haven’t been there for a while. These include:

• Mail that has built up.
• Newspapers that haven’t been picked up.
• Flyers hanging on door knobs.

Once they realize you aren’t at home it only takes them a matter of minutes to kick in the door and grab what they can. Police have noted that items most likely to be stolen include cash, jewelry and electronics.

How to Protect Your Home From a Break In While You’re Away

Even when you’re not at home there are precautions you can take to protect your belongings.

• Don’t advertise that you’re going out of town or will be gone all day. With today’s technology, it’s easy to accidentally let a thief know your house is vacant by making posts on Facebook or Twitter.
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home. They can do a daily check and pick up any mail so it isn’t lying around.
• Install an alarm system, and put decals or signs out in front of your house that lets passerby’s know your home is protected.
• Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t leave pricy items like bikes out front, use heavy curtains or blinds to block thieves from looking in, and hide cash and jewelry if you are going on vacation.
• Leave a light on or the TV going if you’re going to be gone for the day.
• Don’t leave spare keys out. If you’re going on vacation pick them up, because burglars will look around for them.
• Let you local police know you’ll be gone. You can request that they do regular drive-bys to keep an eye on things while you’re gone. This is a major burglar deterrent.
• Lock doors and windows. Anytime and every time you leave the house lock it up – including garage doors. Up to 40% of break-ins don’t require force. Some burglars may even target a home they know is unlocked and that they can easily get into.

Be diligent about deterring burglars every day of the year no matter whether you live in a house or an apartment. Also, keep your home insurance or renters insurance up to date by regularly updating the inventory of items in your home. With the tips above burglars will think twice about targeting your home.

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/top-three-days-for-home-burglaries-in-texas

Water is one of the most harmful elements for a home. It may seem innocent enough while you’re watering your lawn or taking a shower, but water can cause structural damage, unsightly blemishes, create mold, destroy flooring and more.

Water damage claims are quite common in the insurance world. However, not all types of water damage are covered under every Austin homeowners insurance policy. Some are more likely to be covered than others, which leads many people to question what types of water damage are usually covered by insurance.

Burst Pipes and Leaks – Typically Covered
Water damage from pipes is usually covered. This is why homes that have updated plumbing systems (and less chance of water problems) will typically have lower insurance premiums. However, if you didn’t take precautions to prevent the problem your claim may be denied. An example of this would be a pipe freezes and burstes because you left your home unheated.

Water Damage From Appliances – Typically Covered
Sudden leaking from an appliance that is not due to improper upkeep is typically covered under your homeowners insurance.

Roof Leaks – Typically Covered
When water leaks through your roof the damage to your home is usually covered as well as damage to your belongings. The roof repairs will be covered if an external factor like hail or a fallen tree caused the roof leak. If it is a maintenance issue that led to the leak you will likely have to cover the roof repairs yourself.

Flood Damage – Not Covered
Floods are rare, but when they do occur they can cause significant damage and even destroy a home entirely in a matter of minutes. Flood insurance is not a part of regular home insurance in Texas. If you live in a floodplain or want the additional coverage you will have to get a flood insurance policy in addition to your homeowners insurance. Contact the National Flood Insurance Program to learn more about obtaining flood insurance.

Backed Up Drain or Sewer Line – Not Covered
Damage from a backed up sewer line or drain, is not covered on standard home insurance policies. However, you can add this coverage on with an endorsement. It will be an additional cost, but it provides additional coverage.

Ground Water Seepage – Not Covered
When water floods into a basement or causes foundation problems because of seepage from ground water this is considered a maintenance issue not an accident. Therefore, most insurance companies don’t include seepage in their policies. To avoid this problem make sure sprinklers don’t spray on the house and cause puddles near the foundation, and adjust your landscaping so that the ground slopes away from the house.

Mold – Possibly Covered
Mold is often a result of water damage, and it can begin to develop within a day or two. If mold is caused by a type of water damage that is covered by your insurance policy than mold removal is usually covered as well. Like sewer line and backed up drains, you can also get additional coverage specifically for mold remediation added on to your policy so you’re covered anytime it occurs.

Again, each person’s insurance policy is different. It’s important that you carefully review your policy to understand what water damage is covered, what isn’t, if associated damage is covered and the repair/replacement limits for each.

Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
Original Source: mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/what-water-damage-is-typically-covered-on-homeowners-insurance

One of the most terrifying things a homeowner can face is a house fire. From a young age we are taught about the common fire hazards – candles, smoking indoors, fireplaces without screens. But often it’s the hidden, lesser-known fire hazards that wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage every year. Fortunately most of the cost would be covered by your Austin homeowners insurance, but the loss you feel can’t be covered.

Below you will find fire hazards that could be quietly lurking in your home. The good news is, if identified now and taken care of you’ll have a few less things to worry about and can sleep soundly knowing you’ve done all you can to protect your home and family.

Electrical Wiring

Whenever you turn on a light or appliance the last thing on your mind is a faulty connection creating a fire behind your wall. But that’s exactly what happens in nearly 50,000 across the U.S. each year.

The Fix: Replace any outdated wiring (newer homes have to follow new regulations for wiring) and install arc-fault circuit interrupters, which detect electric arcs that could be dangerous.

Dryer Lint

Not many people know that cleaning out the lint trap of your dryer doesn’t clear everything out. Lint can still accumulate in the dryer cabinet, the same part of the machine that holds the heating equipment. This accumulation of lint can start a fire.

The Fix: Get a professional to clean out your dryer cabinet at least once every two years.

Exposed Light Bulbs

Light bulbs illuminate an area, but they also create heat. If something flammable is touching the bulb it can potentially catch fire. This is more common in closets, the area of the home where 12% of all fires originate.

The Fix: Clear out areas where there are exposed light bulbs to ensure nothing comes in contact with it. Also look at options for covering the exposed bulbs.

Vehicles in the Garage

Vehicles contain highly flammable substances, like oil and gasoline, which can leak out, as well as electrical components. This can pose a threat with just a small spark. In fact, Ford just released a recall on 2013 Escapes due to engine fire risk.

The Fix: Clean up any spills as soon as you see them and avoid using lighters, matches etc. in your garage. Also get any faulty wiring or electric components fixed ASAP.

Glass Near Windows

We’ve all heard that magnifying glasses, if held correctly in the sun, are capable of igniting a fire. As it were, all glass is capable of starting a fire if sun rays pass through it, concentrates the light and that light then lands on a flammable material.

The Fix: Be careful not to put glass vases, etc. near widows that get direct sunlight.

Fertilizers and Lawn Care Products

Whether kept outside or in your garage fertilizers and other lawn care products pose a serious fire risk. These products are made of highly combustible material that can become more flammable as they age.

The Fix: Never keep fertilizers and lawn care products in direct sunlight. Also keep them clear of any electrical components as a single spark can create a serious fire within seconds.

Nearly 370,000 homes a year catch fire often from causes that the owners never knew were hazards in the first place. It’s important to address all potential fire hazards, both large and small, install fire alarms at different points in your home and practice fire safety drills with your entire family.

Original Source: http://www.mybiginsurance.com/homeowners-insurance/hidden-fire-hazards-that-can-cause-serious-damage