Protect Yourself from a Home Fire

Just yesterday, a fire ravaged a condominium in Westport. Luckily, no one was injured, but we thought is was the perfect time to post a few fire safety tips, especially if you smell smoke. We don't want this happening to you.

Whether a fire has begun or the circumstances are right for one to ignite, homeowners may smell danger before seeing smoke or flames. If you sense trouble, act quickly to track down the source of the odor and address the problem.

Target your search. Pinpoint the room from which the scent is coming from by asking yourself:

    When did I first notice the smell?
    What was going on when I noticed it?
    In what area is the odor the strongest?
    Do I have an appliance that hasn’t been acting right recently?
    Could the smell be coming from my neighbor’s residence?

Navigate your home. Consider these common fire hazards, which may lead you to the source:

    HVAC system: Check to see if the wiring is intact, and ask yourself if the system has been serviced recently. If not, you may be due for a tune-up or cleaning.
    Fireplace: If you’ve recently used it, have the ashes cooled completely?
    Electronics: Look for devices, power bricks or chargers that could be overheating.
    Overloaded outlets: The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging no more than one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at once.
    Garbage cans: Cigarette butts, greasy rags and other fire-prone items may have made their way in.
    Kitchen odds and ends: Leaving towels and gadgets too close to the stovetop can cause them to catch fire.
    Appliances: Make sure they are turned off after using and check the wiring for signs of wear and tear.
    Light fixtures and switches: Warning signs include panels that are hot to the touch and lights that dim and flicker.

Take action. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately. Can’t find the source of the smell? Contact your fire department — it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s no fire but you suspect a mechanical or electrical problem, contact a licensed repairman as soon as possible.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

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Whether a fire has begun or the circumstances are right for one to ignite, homeowners may smell danger before seeing smoke or flames. If you sense trouble, act quickly to track down the source of the odor and address the problem.

Target your search. Pinpoint the room from which the scent is coming from by asking yourself:

• When did I first notice the smell?
• What was going on when I noticed it?
• In what area is the odor the strongest?
• Do I have an appliance that hasn’t been acting right recently?
• Could the smell be coming from my neighbor’s residence?

Navigate your home. Consider these common fire hazards, which may lead you to the source:

• HVAC system: Check to see if the wiring is intact, and ask yourself if the system has been serviced recently. If not, you may be due for a tune-up or cleaning.
• Fireplace: If you’ve recently used it, have the ashes cooled completely?
• Electronics: Look for devices, power bricks or chargers that could be overheating.
• Overloaded outlets: The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging no more than one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at once.
• Garbage cans: Cigarette butts, greasy rags and other fire-prone items may have made their way in.
• Kitchen odds and ends: Leaving towels and gadgets too close to the stovetop can cause them to catch fire.
• Appliances: Make sure they are turned off after using and check the wiring for signs of wear and tear.
• Light fixtures and switches: Warning signs include panels that are hot to the touch and lights that dim and flicker.

Take action. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately. Can’t find the source of the smell? Contact your fire department — it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s no fire but you suspect a mechanical or electrical problem, contact a licensed repairman as soon as possible.

- See more at: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/safety-1/sniff-out-home-fires/#sthash.D9VugJzL.dpuf

Whether a fire has begun or the circumstances are right for one to ignite, homeowners may smell danger before seeing smoke or flames. If you sense trouble, act quickly to track down the source of the odor and address the problem.

Target your search. Pinpoint the room from which the scent is coming from by asking yourself:

• When did I first notice the smell?
• What was going on when I noticed it?
• In what area is the odor the strongest?
• Do I have an appliance that hasn’t been acting right recently?
• Could the smell be coming from my neighbor’s residence?

Navigate your home. Consider these common fire hazards, which may lead you to the source:

• HVAC system: Check to see if the wiring is intact, and ask yourself if the system has been serviced recently. If not, you may be due for a tune-up or cleaning.
• Fireplace: If you’ve recently used it, have the ashes cooled completely?
• Electronics: Look for devices, power bricks or chargers that could be overheating.
• Overloaded outlets: The National Fire Protection Association recommends plugging no more than one high-wattage appliance into an outlet at once.
• Garbage cans: Cigarette butts, greasy rags and other fire-prone items may have made their way in.
• Kitchen odds and ends: Leaving towels and gadgets too close to the stovetop can cause them to catch fire.
• Appliances: Make sure they are turned off after using and check the wiring for signs of wear and tear.
• Light fixtures and switches: Warning signs include panels that are hot to the touch and lights that dim and flicker.

Take action. If you spot a fire, call 911 immediately. Can’t find the source of the smell? Contact your fire department — it’s better to be safe than sorry. If there’s no fire but you suspect a mechanical or electrical problem, contact a licensed repairman as soon as possible.

- See more at: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/safety-1/sniff-out-home-fires/#sthash.D9VugJzL.dpuf