Fire Prevention Week op-ed: From fireplaces to phone chargers: Stay safe at home

AAA Insurance offers fire prevention tips for traditional & emerging household hazards

By AAA of Western and Central New York

AAA Western and Central New York is encouraging homeowners and renters to take steps to reduce fire risks at home during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10. This year's National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) campaign highlights the importance of safe lithium-ion battery charging practices, while reminding households not to overlook traditional fire safety measures.

As technology continues to change the way people live, fire safety habits must evolve as well. From rechargeable devices and lithium-ion batteries to fireplaces, furnaces, and smoke alarms, homeowners should regularly assess potential fire hazards throughout the home.

“The best defense against a house fire is preparation,” said David Kirst, insurance sales operations manager at AAA Western and Central New York. "Smoke alarms, escape plans and regular home safety checks are simple actions that can help save lives and reduce property damage. Fire Prevention Week is a reminder that a small investment of time today can help protect your family tomorrow.”

Smoke alarms remain one of the most effective tools for preventing fire-related fatalities. According to the NFPA, properly installed smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%, yet nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Fire Prevention Week is an ideal time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure they are functioning properly.

As temperatures begin to cool across New York, homeowners may also start using fireplaces, wood stoves, and supplemental heating equipment. AAA Insurance recommends having fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually to reduce the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide exposure.

Top fire prevention tips for today's homes

√ Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

•Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed.

•Replace alarms according to manufacturer recommendations.

√ Create and practice a home fire escape plan:

•Make sure everyone knows two ways out of every room.

•Establish a meeting place outside the home.

√ Charge lithium-ion batteries safely:

•Use the charger provided by the manufacturer or an approved replacement.

•Charge devices on hard, flat surfaces – not on beds, couches, or under pillows.

•Stop using devices that become excessively hot, swell, smoke or emit unusual odors.

•Unplug devices when they are fully charged.

√ Prepare fireplaces and heating equipment for winter:

•Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods.

•Install a chimney cap and carbon monoxide detector.

•Have a chimney professional inspect and clean the system annually.

•Keep heaters, stoves and combustible materials safely separated.

For more information about homeowners, renters, and personal insurance coverage, visit www.AAA.com/Insurance.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.