No one wants to find themselves in a situation where their home is engulfed in flames, but just in case it does happen, it's important to know what to do in the event of a fire. We give you the necessary guidelines in the event of a fire in your home and we explain the coverage of your Home Insurance in the event of this type of accident, which is so common in homes.
If you want to get all the information about the home fire insurance and its coverage, do not hesitate to contact Euroteide Seguros and our specialist Antonio will solve your doubts or questions.
What to do in case of fire
Many people do not know what to do in a fire and what is best to avoid in home fires.
First of all, it is advisable to be clear about how to avoid a fire at home, but if it does occur, the following recommendations must be followed.
Call to emergency
It's the first thing I should do anyone who discovers there is a fire in the home.
The professionals who answer the phone will ask questions that will help them understand the situation in detail and will give the most appropriate instructions depending on the situation.
Locate exits and fire extinguishers
Knowing the possible escape routes is essential when trying to leave the place where the fire is In addition, if there are fire extinguishers and their handling is known, they can be a great resource to use if necessary.
Cut electricity and gas
If you have the possibility of accessing the place of entry of the supplies, they should be cut to prevent the fire from burning or an explosion occurs.
Remove combustible and flammable products
Any product that serves as fuel, such as alcohol or vegetable oil, or that is flammable, such as a cylinder or paint, must be removed as far as possible from the area where the fire is located.
Don't try to put out the fire
It is only recommended try to put out the fire if it is small and can be controlled. In that case you have to stand between the fire and the escape route.
If it is not possible to turn it off, it is better do not risk, find a safe place and leave the area when it is possible.
Do not use water
In cases where can reach electrical installations or if the fire involves flammable liquidssuch as oil or gasoline, it is best to avoid using water to try to put it out.
What to do when you leave
When leaving the burned place it is recommended Close the doors when leaving, to try to slow down the spread of the fire.
In case the area is full of smoke it is better move crawling, because the smoke tends to rise and in the lower area you can breathe better. If the stairs are full of smoke, it is better to stay in the house.
Do not push others affected and do not hinder their exit, as well as avoid using elevators as escape routes.
What to do if you can't get out
If it is not possible to leave the burned house, it is best to lock yourself in a room and cover the cracks in the door, preferably with wet rags. This prevents smoke from entering the room.
look out the window It may be a good idea for neighbors or other people passing by to see the affected person and help them.
Other Recommendations
If clothes catch fire You have to stay calm and don't run. To turn it off, it is recommended lie on the ground and roll about oneself.
If it is another person who has caught fire, it is best to lay it on the ground, cover it with a blanket and squeeze to extinguish the flames.
In case of to catch your hair the solution is to quickly cover your head with a damp cloth.
What does your insurance cover in case of fire?
It is necessary to bear in mind that damages caused by the insured intentionally or due to gross negligence are not covered for home fire insurance policies. This is to avoid fires created by the insured to receive compensation.
In relation to insurance coverage in case of fire, it will be necessary to review the clause of the contract that regulates the assumptions of fire and explosion. It is very important to take it into account before contracting Home Insurance, as there may be differences, such as the inclusion or not of damage to electrical appliances.
In the Insurances in which the coverage of damages caused by fires caused by chance or intentionally caused by third parties is included, It is compensated for the damages suffered by the real estate of the house due to the fire, the dust or the smoke of the fire.
To receive the corresponding amount it is necessary notify the claim to the insurer within five business days after the fire. It is recommended to leave all objects as they are and take photos of the damage. In addition, a list can be added with the objects that have disappeared in the fire, as long as their previous existence can be proven.
With all that information, the insurance company will assess the damage and the value of the missing objects to calculate compensation that the insured will receive.
If you still have doubts about fire coverage in the Home insurance, contact us. We will be happy to advise you on everything related to home insurance and home fires.
Now that you know how to act in the event of a fire, the first thing you should do if a fire breaks out in your house is to call the emergency services, they will know what to do. It is advisable to have the exits controlled, cut off the electricity and remove combustible and flammable products. Also, you should not try to put out the fire or use water, instead, you should leave the place by crawling or shutting yourself in a room and covering the door gap with a damp cloth. Home insurance will cover damage not caused intentionally by means of compensation.
Remember that in Euroteide Seguros (Insurance Advisors for savings and investment products) We have been advising on home insurance for more than 26 years and offering solutions in the face of this latent eventuality and more so now that climate change is a reality.