Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Encourages Fire Prevention
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready is using fire prevention week to encourage policyholders to check on their home heating systems as cooler weather approaches. Proper maintenance protects homes from fire dangers. Fire-related damages resulted in $1.3 billion in claims nationwide in 2021.
Here are some tips from Mulredy:
Inside Your Home
- Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
- Clean fireplaces and chimneys.
- Install fire extinguishers in your home.
- Keep flammable objects away from furnaces, fireplaces and other heating units.
- Never leave burning candles or items on the stove unattended.
- Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, but it can also be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
Outside Your Home
- Remove dead leaves and other debris around the house and from the roof.
- Clean or replace the furnace filter and clean the entire furnace area to remove debris.
- Have heating units inspected by a licensed contractor.
- Never discard hot ashes near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
Source: Oklahoma Department of Insurance
