What you can do to prevent house fires

The National Fire Protection Association notes that in 2015 365,500 house fires in the United States occurred, resulting in 2,650 deaths and 11,075 injuries. The good news is that the numbers of such fires are roughly half of those in the late 1970s. However, every homeowner should be able to take some simple steps to help prevent house fires or, if they happen, to mitigate their effects.

US News reports that the number one cause of house fires is the stove. An unattended pot or pan cooking food can start a fire that can quickly get out of control. The simple solution is to pay attention to what you are cooking at all times.

Space heaters can also be a source of house fires. You need to make sure that enough distance has been created between space heaters and anything that they might ignite.

Frayed electrical cords can also cause a spark that can start a fire. Check up on electrical cords periodically and either replace them or repair them with electrical tape.

Smoking is not good for you from a health perspective. Smoking in bed can be deadly if you nod off, and the cigarette ignites your blanket.

Candles, while always a romantic enhancement to any room, are a fire hazard because of the open flame. Consider using a battery-powered alternative and, in any case, do not leave them unattended.

The Red Cross recommends that your family devise and rehearse an escape plan to get out inside two minutes in the event of a fire.  You should have smoke detectors, one on each floor, and ideally, one in each room, and a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen.

Contact Compass Insurance serving Centennial, CO for your home insurance needs.

Centennial, CO offers many great auto insurance options

When you want to get a new auto insurance policy in Centennial, CO, you’ll quickly see that there are a lot of options. That’s good news for anyone who wants choices, but sometimes having too many policies to choose from can feel overwhelming. If you have an independent agent from Compass Insurance on your side, you may find that you get a better policy from an insurer you feel good about. That’s because independent agents can show you a selection of policies from a number of different companies. You can choose based on price, company reputation, policy options, or a combination of factors.

One of the important things to consider about driving a car in Centennial, CO is that the winters are sometimes stressful there. The snow and ice can mean slippery roads and difficult conditions, which can put you at risk if you’re driving. Whether you slide into a ditch or someone else hits you because of the poor road conditions, you want to make sure your car is financially covered. With the right policy for your needs, you’ll have all the coverage you would expect and you won’t be left feeling like you’re paying too much for that level of protection.

When you work with an independent agent from Compass Insurance, you can get quotes quickly and efficiently, so you can see what’s going to fit your budget. Your agent can also give you suggestions about the level of insurance you may want, what state minimums are, and whether one company’s rates are going to be preferable to you based on the coverage they offer. Then you can make an informed decision about your policy, and have some peace of mind knowing that you will be financially protected if you do happen to have a car accident.