Fires claim more lives each year than all other disasters combined.

A fire can put your home, possessions, and loved ones in danger.

Know what to do before, during and after a fire. Select an option below.

Before

• Choose a safe location outside of your home. All family members should meet at this location in the event of a fire. This will ensure that all family members know where to go and that you know if everyone made it out of the house.
• Plan at least two escape routes from each room of your house. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
• Keep valuable papers and other important items in secure places.
• For bedrooms on the higher floors, place escape ladders near the windows. All family members need to know how to use these.
• Smoke alarms should be installed outside every bedroom and on each level of your home.
• Check each alarm monthly, and replace batteries if need be. All batteries should be replaced twice a year.
• A good time to replace your batteries is when the time changes.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years.
  
• Keep a fire extinguisher available and make sure all family members know how to use it.
• Check electrical cords throughout your home for any signs of fraying. Frayed wires must be replaced.
• Use surge protectors to protect appliances, such as computers and televisions. Surge protectors protect against fast, short duration electrical current that could cause an appliance to catch on fire.
• Gasoline and other flammable liquids should be placed in non-combustible containers.
• Don't place a space heater near furniture, curtains or other objects that could catch fire.
• Keep your yard clean of weeds, tree branches and debris, because these put you at risk to have a fire.

During

• If a grease fire erupts, do not throw water on the fire as it causes the fire to spread. Use a wet cloth to cover the fire or use a fire extinguisher. If neither are available, you should smother the fire by putting a cover over the pan.
• If a fire starts in your oven, close the oven door and turn off the heat to smother the flames. If that doesn't work, use your fire extinguisher.
• If a fire starts in your microwave, turn off the microwave, and don't open it until the fire is out. With no air flow, the fire will smother itself.
• Exiting your home
  • The most important step is to exit the home safely.
  • Once you've exited your home safely, from a neighbor's home call 911 for the fire department.
  • Everyone in your family needs to be aware of "Stop, Drop and Roll". If your clothes catch on fire, stop where you are, drop to the ground, and roll over to smother the flames.
  • If you must exit through smoke, crawl low, under the smoke.
  • If you must exit through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. Do not open a door that feels warm.
  • If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit, stay in a room with the door closed. Signal for help with a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there happens to be a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them exactly where you are.
• If you see anyone on fire, cover them with a blanket to smother the flames.

After

• Return home only when local authorities advise it is safe to do so.
• Before entering your home, check for any structural damage.
• The fire department will check to see if utilities are safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. You should consider contacting a contractor or other professionals to inspect your home. Do not reconnect utilities before being told it is safe to do so.
• Clean up any glass or other debris from the fire to prevent any further injury and/or damage. Wear proper shoes and gloves when cleaning up.
• Protect your property from further damage by using plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows or holes in roofs.
• Make a list of your damaged property and do not dispose of it. Remove any food or other items from the home that have been in contact with flood water. Do not throw anything away as your insurance adjustor needs to inspect damaged items.
• Save receipts for any money you spend related to the loss. Your insurance company may need these to settle your claim.
• It's important to contact your NYCM Insurance Agent right away to report any damages to your property. You can also contact us directly at 800-234-6926. Customer Service is available 24/7/365.