---
title: "Fire Safety: How to prepare and protect your home from a fire"
description: Lightning is dangerous and all thunderstorms should be taken seriously. Use this lightning safety checklist to ensure your home and family is prepared.
---

[Florida Family Insurance | Resources & Educational Blog ](https://www.floridafamily.com/blog)

# [Fire Safety: How to prepare and protect your home from a fire](https://www.floridafamily.com/blog/fire-safety)

 Written by [Florida Family Insurance](https://www.floridafamily.com/blog/author/florida-family-insurance) | Jan 17, 2023 3:39:04 PM

#### There are many things in your home that pose the risk of starting a fire, even accidentally. Here are some simple, proactive things you can do do lower your risk of being victim to a house fire:

- [Install and maintain smoke alarms](https://www.floridafamily.com/hubfs/FFI_Smoke%20Alarm%20Safety.pdf) in kitchen, laundry room, garage, and in each bedroom.
- Test smoke alarms every month and replace batteries twice a year-when you change your clocks in the Fall and Spring.
- Replace smoke alarms after 10 years of service.
- Install a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
- Don't leave burning candles unattended and be sure to extinguish cigarettes fully.  
  Stay away from pools, lakes, or other large bodies of water.
- Ensure electrical wiring and extension cords don't run under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas, and that they are replaced if frayed or cracked.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Store paint thinners and gasoline in regulation containers away from heat sources.
- Use outlet surge protectors for electronic equipment.
- Portable electric heaters should have safety-certification label from a testing organization, such as UL (Underwriting Laboratories), and should be turned off when you are asleep or not at home.
- Keep all objects at least 3 feet away from space heater.
- Have fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Add a secure screen to your fireplace.
- Keep stairways clear.
- Ensure all windows can be opened easily.
- If you have double-cylinder deadbolts on your doors, keep the keys where all family members can quickly reach them in the event of fire.
- Clean dryer vent regularly and lint filter after each use.
- Clean range hoods and vents regularly.
- Install individual shut-off valves for gas appliances.
- Consider installing a central station fire alarm. We offer significant discounts for homes protected by alarm systems and/or automatic fire sprinklers.
- Prepare and regularly update a Home Inventory List, photographing or videotaping the contents of every room, including the garage, for your records. Keep these records off the premises or in a safety deposit box.

Related resources:

- [Fire Safety Checklist](https://www.floridafamily.com/hubfs/FFI_Fire%20Safety%20Tips.pdf)
- [Smoke Alarm Safety](https://www.floridafamily.com/hubfs/FFI_Smoke%20Alarm%20Safety.pdf)
- [Fire Escape Plan](https://www.floridafamily.com/hubfs/FFI_Fire%20Escape%20Plan.pdf)

[View full post](https://www.floridafamily.com/blog/fire-safety)

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