Home & Property Guide- Updated October 2026
Fire Safety Starts Before There Is Smoke
A home holds more than walls and belongings. It is where families gather, milestones are celebrated, and everyday memories are made.
Unfortunately, a home fire can grow quickly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residents may have less than two minutes to escape after a smoke alarm sounds. Preparing in advance can help everyone in the household respond more confidently during an emergency.
Use this checklist to identify a few practical improvements you can make today.
Unfortunately, a home fire can grow quickly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residents may have less than two minutes to escape after a smoke alarm sounds. Preparing in advance can help everyone in the household respond more confidently during an emergency.
Use this checklist to identify a few practical improvements you can make today.
Check Your Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms provide an early warning when every second matters.
- Install alarms inside every bedroom.
- Place an alarm outside each sleeping area.
- Make sure every level of the home has an alarm, including the basement.
- Test smoke alarms every month.
- Replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old.
- Never disable an alarm or remove its battery to stop a nuisance alert.
- Consider interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound.
Create a Family Escape Plan
Every member of the household should know how to leave the home safely.
Residents of apartments and condominiums should also learn the building’s evacuation procedures and know where exit stairs are located.
- Identify two possible exits from each room.
- Make sure doors, windows, hallways and stairs are not blocked.
- Choose a meeting place a safe distance outside the home.
- Include children, older adults, pets and household members with mobility limitations in the plan.
- Practice the escape plan with everyone in the household.
- Once outside, remain outside and call 911.
- Never return to a burning home for belongings or pets.
Residents of apartments and condominiums should also learn the building’s evacuation procedures and know where exit stairs are located.
Look for Everyday Fire Hazards
Small habits can make a meaningful difference.
In the kitchen
In the kitchen
- Remain nearby when cooking.
- Keep towels, packaging and other flammable materials away from heat.
- Keep children and pets away from hot appliances.
- Make sure you know how to use your fire extinguisher safely.
Around electricity
- Replace damaged or frayed cords.
- Avoid overloading outlets and extension cords.
- Use charging equipment designed for the device.
- Stop using batteries or devices that become unusually hot, swell, leak or produce an odor.
Around the home
- Keep candles away from curtains, decorations, children and pets.
- Extinguish candles before leaving a room.
- Give space heaters room and keep them away from anything that can burn.
- Store matches and lighters where children cannot reach them.
- Keep exits and pathways clear.
What May Homeowners Insurance Cover After a Fire?
Homeowners insurance generally includes several types of protection that may apply following a covered fire or smoke loss.
Dwelling coverage may help repair or rebuild the insured home.
Other structures coverage may apply to covered structures that are separate from the home, such as a detached garage or shed.
Personal property coverage may help repair or replace covered belongings damaged by fire or smoke.
Loss-of-use coverage may help with additional living expenses when a covered loss makes the home temporarily uninhabitable.
Depending on the policy, this may include certain lodging, meal and related expenses.
Every claim depends on the cause of the loss, the damaged property, policy limits, deductibles, exclusions and other policy terms. Homeowners should review their own policy rather than assume every fire-related expense will be covered.
Dwelling coverage may help repair or rebuild the insured home.
Other structures coverage may apply to covered structures that are separate from the home, such as a detached garage or shed.
Personal property coverage may help repair or replace covered belongings damaged by fire or smoke.
Loss-of-use coverage may help with additional living expenses when a covered loss makes the home temporarily uninhabitable.
Depending on the policy, this may include certain lodging, meal and related expenses.
Every claim depends on the cause of the loss, the damaged property, policy limits, deductibles, exclusions and other policy terms. Homeowners should review their own policy rather than assume every fire-related expense will be covered.
Is Your Coverage Keeping Up With Your Home?
The cost to rebuild a home can change over time. Renovations, additions, labor expenses and construction-material prices may affect how much coverage is needed.
Consider reviewing:
Consider reviewing:
- Your dwelling coverage limit
- Replacement-cost versus actual-cash-value provisions
- Personal property limits
- Additional living expense coverage
- Building-code upgrade coverage
- Limits for jewelry, collectibles and other valuable belongings
- Recent remodeling or home improvements
- Available discounts for alarms, detectors or protective devices
A home inventory can also make it easier to document belongings after a loss. Photographs, videos, receipts and serial numbers can be stored securely away from the home or in protected cloud storage.
What Should You Do After a Fire?
Always prioritize personal safety and follow instructions from emergency officials.
Once it is safe:
Once it is safe:
- Contact your insurance company or agent promptly.
- Do not enter the property until authorities say it is safe.
- Photograph or record visible damage when permitted.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage without putting yourself at risk.
- Keep receipts for temporary lodging, meals and emergency purchases.
- Make a detailed list of damaged or missing belongings.
- Avoid permanently discarding damaged property until you have spoken with the insurance company.
Preparation Protects More Than Property
No checklist can prevent every emergency. However, working alarms, a practiced escape plan, safer household habits and an up-to-date insurance review can help a family prepare for the unexpected.
A few minutes spent planning today may make an overwhelming situation easier to navigate tomorrow.
A few minutes spent planning today may make an overwhelming situation easier to navigate tomorrow.
REQUEST A HOME INSURANCE REVIEW
When Did You Last Review Your Home Coverage?
Our licensed local agents can help you review your home’s information, discuss available coverage options, and identify questions to consider before an emergency occurs.
Coverage, limits, deductibles and exclusions vary by insurance company and policy. This article is for general educational purposes and does not modify or replace the terms of any insurance policy.
Cybersecurity coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, underwriting requirements, and carrier availability. This article provides general information and is not a statement of coverage. Please review the applicable policy or contact a licensed insurance agent for details.
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