Did you know:

• A residential fire occurs in the United States every 67 seconds.
• Accidents related to cooking usually cause more residential fires than any other known cause.
• Careless smoking is the leading known cause of residential fire deaths.
• Arson is the No. 1 cause of nonresidential fires.

Before a Fire:

• Make a written or videotaped inventory of household possessions/property and store in a safe place with insurance policies, documents and other valuables.
• Install a battery-powered smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home.
• Use the test button to check each smoke detector once a month.
• Replace smoke detector batteries at least once a year.
• Install a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
   
• Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter.
• Determine at least two ways to escape from every room in your home.
• Select a location outside your home to serve as meeting place after escaping.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

After a Fire:

• Call your independent insurance agent as soon as possible.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
• Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
• Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
• Keep all receipts.
   
• Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property.
• Take photos of damaged areas.
• Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
• Meet with your adjuster first, before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjusters.