Have you prepared your home to prevent a possible fire? Agent Jill Duncan of State Farm Insurance Agency is partnering with the Georgia Arson Control Board to help prepare the citizens of Carroll County by providing preventive home fire safety tips and preemptive planning techniques.

According to Duncan, “In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts and you and your family must always be prepared.  A fire doubles in size every minute.”  The following tips are also offered to help protect your family and home from fire:

  • A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • The United States Fire Administration (USFA) recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms.
  • The USFA recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
  • Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save. Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms cost between $6 and $20.
  • Quick response sprinkler systems offer a low-cost reliable safety option. They are designed to respond to a fire much faster than standard commercial and industrial sprinkler systems.
  • Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.
  • Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.
  • Fire escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.
  • Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
  • Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.
  • Conduct a fire safety walkthrough of your home on a regular basis.
  • Place space heaters where they will not tip over easily.  Unplug them if you are not using them.
  • Have chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a professional.
  • Be sure your stove and small appliances are off before going to bed.
  • Check for worn wires and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.

The Georgia Arson Control Program, Inc. (GAC) was formed in January of 1979 by property and casualty insurers writing business in Georgia.  GAC, Georgia Department of Insurance and Safety Fire, and state/local law enforcement agencies, established an ARSON HOTLINE 1-800-282-5804. A reward fund was initiated from which monetary rewards are given to individuals who come forward with information that results in the arrest and conviction of arsonists. Be sure to visit us on Facebook.

Visit us at: www.georgiaarsoncontrol.com