Surviving a fire in your home

Surviving a fire in your home

Every year about 358,500 fires occur in homes. Of those, 50 percent start in the kitchen, 7 percent in the bedroom, 6 percent are chimney fires, 4 percent start in the living room, and 3 percent start in the laundry room.

Protect your family with two everyday items:  fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

All homes should have working fire extinguishers. Did you know they expire? Check the expiration date every year and replace them or have them serviced when needed. As a general rule, extinguishers with metal handles can be recharged and those with plastic handles must be replaced.

Add this to your calendar:  twice a year you should change your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide batteries!

Just like fire drills at schools and workplaces, your home fire drill needs to be set up and practiced.  Be sure that:

  • You have a designated meeting spot in case of evacuation
  • A way for upstairs family members to escape safely
  • If your children are heavy sleepers, you’ve checked into “talking” fire detectors.

Recent Posts


Antique and Classic Cars

Insurance coverage for your antique or classic car requires special attention. These cars travel few miles yet can be a big investment. If you’re the proud owner of a vintage …

Are you covered if the big one happens?

Based on data collected by U.S. Geological Survey, Washington state sustained 60 earthquakes with 3+ magnitude from 2010-2015. While Oregon had 95 earthquakes during that time.** Do you have earthquake …

Has FEMA remapped your home for flood risk? Find out.

FEMA has been busy remapping flood zones to align with potential risk of flooding. To find out if your home or business is in a flood zone go to, https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home.…

Do you Uber?

Insurance coverage is complicated for people who work with companies like Uber to transport people for money.

When your rideshare app is off, you are covered by your personal car…

Earthquake insurance: What you need to know

Here in Washington State we are at the second highest risk of earthquake in the country – California is first. Knowing about this danger, we can prepare to survive an …

Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

To prepare your pipes for fall and winter, unhook any attached hoses from outdoor taps and drain any remaining water from the hose. To prevent frozen taps, cover them with …

Distracted Driving in Washington will cost you

$136 Ticket for Driving While Using Handheld Cell Phones

Since July 23, 2017 you can be pulled over by a police officer just for using a handheld device. The first …

Boating Fun includes Education Cards and Licenses

The Pacific Northwest offers countless opportunities to enjoy watercraft on beautiful lakes, rivers, and saltwater. To help keep you safe on the water, Washington State requires Boater Education cards if …

Protecting Your Income

You wouldn’t head out for a long bike ride without your helmet or for a kayak trip without your life vest. Take your precautions a step further with disability insurance …