FIRE LOSSES:
PREVENTION,
PROTECTION, AND
ACTION
BY: ELAINE GASCON, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, ATLAS INSURANCE AGENCY
F
ire is one of the leading causes of
insurance claims for Community
Associations. Although fire
losses do not occur as often as
water losses, fire losses have the
potential to be catastrophic and our homes
are always susceptible to fire damage. To
address this exposure, our AOAO team had
the pleasure of hosting a panel discussion
centered on fire prevention and how to
handle fire claims in the event of a loss.
Our approach focused on providing a 360°
view for attendees, offering actionable
items for AOAOs to implement.
potential misuse of power accessories
along with frayed and loose wires at
plugs and junctions. Discontinue use
and replace any potential hazards.
•
• If you are sleepy or have consumed
alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are
frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling
food.
Fire losses can be brought on by many
culprits: normal wear and tear, storm
forces, neglect of necessary maintenance,
as well as the lack of a safety plan. Here are
some simple and proactive steps that can
be taken to minimize the frequency of fire
claims, as well as some claims tips in the
event your Association or unit suffers a fire
loss.
• If you are simmering, baking, or
roasting food, check it regularly and
use a timer to remind you that you are
cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—
oven mitts, wooden utensils, food
packaging, towels, or curtains—away
from the stovetop.
PREVENTION: FIRE PREVENTION AND
SAFETY
No one ever wants to experience a fire in
their home, but are you doing everything to
prevent that from happening? The overall
best strategy is prevention.
•
Be aware of potential fire hazards in your
home:
•
Power Hazards – From extension
cords, multiplug adapters, power
strips, and more, our homes are filled
with many potential fire hazards. The
key to safely utilizing these devices
is to be sure to use them as intended
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Be sure not to overload
circuits, piggyback power sources, or
use temporary wiring as permanent
solutions. Work with your residents
and staff to be on the lookout for
26
Kitchen and Cooking Surfaces
– According to the US Fire
Administration, just over 50 percent
of all fires in 2018 were caused by
incidents in the kitchen. Tips from the
National Fire Protection Association
include the following:
•
Heating devices – While portable
heaters are not found in many homes
in Hawaii, coffee makers, irons, and
toasters are common heating devices
found in homes. Be sure to place these
in areas free of flammable objects such
as draperies, magazines, newspapers,
and furniture. A recommended best
practice is to always unplug these
devices when they are not in use.
Dryers also pose a great risk for fire.
Turn the dryer off if you leave home or
before going to bed, and make sure to
clean the lint filter before or after each
load of laundry.
Smoke Alarms – Lastly but most
importantly, smoke alarms save lives.
Ninety-four percent of all homes in
the United States have at least one
smoke alarm, but surveys show that
up to half of these smoke alarms do
not work because the battery is either
dead or missing (National Fire Safety
Council). Consider these smart smoke
alarm tips:
• Smoke alarms should be maintained
according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a
month using the test button.
• Make sure your residents
understand the sound of the smoke
alarm and know how to respond.
• Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for cleaning to keep
smoke alarms working well. The
instructions are included in the
package or can be found on the
internet.
• Smoke alarms with any type of
battery need a new battery at least
once a year. If the alarm chirps
warning that the battery is low,
replace the battery right away.
PROTECTION: INSURING FOR THE
UNKNOWN
While fire prevention is vital, insurance
provides peace of mind for the unforeseen.
Lack of insurance may result in steep out-
of-pocket costs to recover from a large fire
loss.
Fortunately, the Master Insurance Policy
for AOAOs include fire as a covered cause
of loss. Additionally, most homeowner
insurance policies cover fire, but it’s not
always enough. Here are some important
items to consider:
CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 28