Avoid Home Heating Mishaps and Insurance Hassles

With much of the country settled into the realization of wintertime weather, keeping warm becomes a primary focus this time of year.

Given the colder weather, more homeowners and renters are more likely to turn to supplementary heating sources to combat major heating expenses. As the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) points out, these alternative heating sources when not used properly can lead to an added risk of fire.

Research shows that space heaters, wood stoves and additional supplemental heating sources are the major reasons for home blazes during the winter months, falling only behind cooking equipment.

As the National Fire Protection Association notes, fixed and portable home heating devices are to blame for two of every three home heating related blazes and two of every three related fatalities.

According to the most recent numbers from 2008, heating equipment was a reason for an estimated 66,000 reported home structure blazes, 480 civilian fatalities, and 1,660 civilian injuries and resulted in direct property damage of $1.1 billion.

Fireplaces and chimneys played a part in 43 percent of these blazes and 11 percent of the fatalities. Fixed and portable space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in one-fourth of the heating fires, but resulted in nearly three-fourths of the deaths.

On the flip side, central home heating systems account for only a small portion of heating-related fires and deaths.

Experts and safety officials note that supplemental heating devices are more of a threat due to the fact they provide a number of opportunities for misuse.

According to a spokesperson for the I.I.I., damage resulting from fire and smoke are covered as part of standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Homeowners are also protected for water or other damage resulting from the actions of firefighters attempting to put out the blaze.

Homeowners looking to protect themselves from the expenses of fires and other disasters are advised to acquire enough coverage to rebuild their home and personal possessions.

As the I.I.I. spokesperson also points out, a large number of consumers do not understand what is in their policy until the time they need to file a claim. At that point, it is too late to acquire the necessary amount of protection.

In 2009, there were more than 375,000 residential fires nationwide, costing close to $8 billion. Due to the deadly and destructive nature of fire, insurance companies make available discounts and preferred rates for homes and communities that put in place efforts to decrease the risk of fire.

For those not aware, homes constructed of fire-resistant material or situated close to a fire department that is highly rated many times have less expensive insurance rates. Homeowners may also be eligible for discounts up to 20 percent should the wiring in the residence be upgraded, sprinkler systems installed or should the home have smoke and fire alarms that go off at an outside service.

Along with practicing good safety habits, individuals should make sure their homeowners’ insurance is up to date and that they review their coverage on a regular basis.