Smother Residential Fire Losses

December 14, 2014||inPersonal Insurance|fire safety, homeowners insurance, personal insurance

In most years, fire is the largest single cause of property loss in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were nearly 500,000 structure fires in the United States, causing approximately $10 billion in property damage. This deadly peril kills several thousand Americans each year and causes over 15,000 injuries.

Smother Residential Fire Losses
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Exposure to Residential Fires:

  • Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms in various parts of your home, including bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. Homes with smoke alarms typically have a fire-related death rate that is 40 to 50 percent less than the rate in homes without alarms.
  • Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in several areas of the home, including the garage, the kitchen, and on each floor of the house. The potency of these extinguishers should be checked on a semiannual basis.
  • Sprinkler System: For those about to build a new home, consider the installation of a sprinkler system. These systems have proven effective in suppressing most fires before the fire department arrives. In addition, they normally add only about 1 percent to the cost of a new home and last for the life of the home.
  • Candles: Avoid leaving burning candles unattended. Fires often start when children, adults, and pets inadvertently overturn candles.
  • Clothes Dryer: Properly maintain your clothes dryer, which is a big cause of fires in the United States. The dryer vent should be kept clean, the lint screen should be removed and cleaned after each use, and a qualified technician should periodically inspect gas clothes dryers.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc.  Copyright 2015

Read Other Blog Posts

Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

For families and individuals in Groton and surrounding communities, life insurance from Murphy Insurance offers more than peace of mind—it provides a solid foundation for long-term financial security. Whether you’re safeguarding loved ones, covering debts, or planning for the future, our personalized life insurance solutions are designed to fit your goals and budget. From affordable term life to permanent protection and full-service planning, our Groton-based team is here to help you protect what matters most with trusted guidance, top-rated options, and local expertise.
Read more
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Read more
Roundabout

Safe Driving Saves Money

For better or worse, your automobile insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. While you can’t always prevent every accident or control what happens on the road, safe driving is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect both yourself and your finances. Keep reading to learn how maintain a safe driving record can lower your premium, and—as a result—protect your wallet.
Read more
Car driving

Buying a Car? Don’t Forget the Insurance Quote First!

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to check in with your agent before finalizing your purchase. Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to insurance costs. Two cars might look similar on the outside, but one could cost you hundreds more per year to insure.
Read more
Shovel

Digging on Your Property? Here’s Why “Dig Safe” Should Be Your First Step

Under federal and state law, all homeowners and contractors are required to notify the appropriate utility companies before doing any excavation work. Keep reading to learn more about the standards for digging on your property.
Read more
What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Groton MA

What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Acton, MA

If you own a condo in Acton, MA, don’t assume the condo association’s master policy fully protects you. That policy typically covers the building’s exterior and shared spaces, but not the inside of your unit. Without your own Condominium Insurance, you could be on the hook for costly repairs to your walls, floors, or fixtures and replace personal belongings damaged by fire, water, or theft. It’s essential protection that helps ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens.
Read more
Sparkler 1200

Summer Fun and 4th of July Safety: Celebrating Smart

Summer is a time for BBQs, fireworks, family gatherings, and making the most of long days. Whether you’re heading to the beach, firing up the grill, or watching fireworks with the kids, safety should always be part of your celebration plans. After all, the best memories are the ones made without unexpected trips to the ER. Here’s a quick guide to help you enjoy your Independence Day and summer activities — while keeping everyone safe and sound.
Read more
Lightning

Lightning Storm Safety

Lightning storms light up the sky in dramatic fashion, but they’re also dangerous. A lightning strike can cause major injuries like burns, heart issues, or even brain damage. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe when one rolls into your area. Follow these helpful tips to help you stay safe.
Read more
Car in traffic

Risks of Lowering Auto Coverage

Many drivers look to reduce their auto insurance premiums by lowering coverage or dropping parts of their policy altogether. While it’s true that cutting back can save a few dollars in the short term, the long-term consequences of being underinsured can be financially devastating—especially in the aftermath of a serious accident. Learn about ways you can save without exposing yourself to major financial risk.
Read more

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.