By: Danielle Shearer
Essential Tips and Insurance Insights for a Safer Community
Why Fire Safety Month Matters
Each October, communities nationwide recognize Fire Safety Month—a time to focus on fire prevention, review safety plans, and encourage habits that protect lives and property. For insurance professionals and policyholders, it’s an opportunity to reassess coverage and reinforce preparedness.
Background of Fire Safety Month
Fire Safety Month traces its roots to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, commemorated with Fire Prevention Week in early October. The initiative has since expanded to a month-long campaign to promote awareness and share life-saving information.
Fire Risks and Prevention
Fires remain a major risk, with over a million occurring annually in the U.S., causing thousands of deaths, injuries, and billions in property loss. Most residential fires start with cooking, heating, electrical faults, or smoking—many of which are preventable with awareness and vigilance.
Home Fire Safety Checklist
- Smoke Alarms: Install and maintain detectors on every level and in sleeping areas. Test monthly and change batteries yearly.
- Escape Plan: Identify two exits per room and a meeting spot outside; practice with all household members regularly.
- Cooking Safety: Stay present while cooking and keep flammable items away from heat sources.
- Safe Heating: Place heaters away from flammable materials and clean chimneys annually.
- Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading outlets and unplug appliances when not in use.
- Flammable Storage: Keep matches, lighters, and combustibles secured and away from heat.
Fire Safety for Businesses
Businesses should perform regular safety audits, maintain fire extinguishers, post clear exit routes, and provide staff training. Investing in alarms and sprinklers reduces risk, and tailored insurance policies ensure faster recovery after an incident.
Smart Technology for Fire Prevention
Advancements in smart technology are changing fire prevention for the better. Devices like Ting, a small plug-in sensor, continuously monitor a home’s electrical network to detect tiny, often invisible hazards such as electrical arcs or faults. By catching these problems early—before they can spark a fire—Ting and similar smart sensors give homeowners and insurers the power to prevent fires before they even start. Many insurance companies encourage or reward the use of smart technology, offering discounts and greater peace of mind for policyholders who adopt these solutions.
Insurance’s Role in Fire Protection
Insurance helps offset the financial impact of fires, covering property, belongings and living expenses. Policyholders should review coverage annually, update inventories, and understand their policies to ensure adequate protection.
Insurance Checklist
- Inventory: Document belongings with photos and receipts for easier claims.
- Review Policy: Meet with your agent to clarify coverage and deductibles.
- Report Updates: Notify your insurer about renovations or valuable new items.
- Emergency Prep: Store policies securely and know how to contact your insurer.
Community Engagement and Technology
Fire departments and community groups offer events, school visits, and demonstrations during October. New technologies—like smart smoke alarms, electrical monitoring sensors such as Ting, and sprinkler systems—make prevention easier, and insurers may offer discounts for adopting these devices.
Take Action This October
Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. By staying informed, practicing safe habits, embracing smart technology, and keeping your insurance current, you safeguard your home, family, and community. Let’s commit to fire safety now and year-round.
Helpful Resources
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Safety tips and materials
- S. Fire Administration: Data and resources
- Local Fire Department: Events and inspections
- Your Insurance Agent: Coverage reviews
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 14 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
