Is Your Home or Business Ready for a Fire?

With more than a decade of experience under her belt, Laura Inglis heads up the C&S Insurance Claims Department.

This October, Fire Prevention Month reminds us to prepare our homes and businesses with essential fire safety tips to prevent fires—and stay safe if a fire does occur. While we all remember “stop, drop, and roll” from elementary school, how often do you think about safe exit routes, charging your devices safely, or testing your smoke alarms?

For Fire Prevention Month 2025, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is raising awareness about preventing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Read on to learn how to safely buy, charge, and recycle these batteries.

While there are many steps you can take to prevent fires, unexpected incidents can still happen—which is why it’s crucial to have sufficient homeowners or commercial property insurance to protect yourself or your business from costly repairs. Speak with a C&S Insurance agent to discuss your coverage needs.

Below are key fire safety protocols to help keep your home and workplace safe.

Fire Safety Tips for Your Home

Educate every member of your household about fire safety practices, from young children to college students.

Have Working Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are one of the most critical tools for preventing fire-related injuries and deaths. Research shows that 3 in 5 fire deaths occur in homes without functioning smoke detectors. According to the NFPA, having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of death in a home fire by 55%.

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and on every floor. Consider the needs of household members with disabilities, such as hearing impairments, and ensure alarms are accessible.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the “test” button. Replace batteries when they chirp and replace alarms every 10 years—or sooner if they malfunction. Many local fire departments offer free smoke detector installation and fire safety inspections.

Safely Use and Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly linked to fires. They power many devices we use daily—from cell phones and power tools to e-bikes and electric vehicles.

Look for safety certifications such as UL, ETL, or CSA when purchasing devices with lithium-ion batteries.
Use the charging cables provided with the device and buy replacements from the manufacturer.
Charge devices on hard surfaces (like desks or tables) and unplug them once fully charged.
Stop using or charging devices that smell unusual, overheat, pop, or change shape or color—then call 9-1-1.
Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins. Recycle them safely at Call2Recycle.org.

Create a Fire Safety Plan with Your Family

Include all household members in creating an escape plan:

Never touch doorknobs that feel hot.
Stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire.
Crawl on hands and knees to move through smoke.
Go directly to a designated meeting point outside.
Call 9-1-1 after leaving the building.

Plan for pets too, keeping carriers and necessary equipment accessible. Also, ensure that furniture, clothes, blankets, and toys stay clear of heating equipment, and never leave children unsupervised near ovens, stoves, irons, or other fire hazards.

Fire Safety for College Students

If your child is heading to college, help them practice proper fire safety:

Avoid buying appliances not allowed in dorms, such as hot plates or toaster ovens. Candles and neon signs can also pose fire risks.
Ensure smoke alarms are never disabled or tampered with.
On move-in day, locate the two nearest exits to the dorm room.
For off-campus housing, verify smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor. Ensure there is a fire escape or two sets of stairs to upper levels.
Consider renters insurance to protect belongings in the event of a fire.

Protect Your Home with Insurance

Homeowners insurance safeguards you against fire and other covered perils. Policies typically cover:

Dwelling: The structure of your home.
Personal property: Belongings inside your home.
Other structures: Detached garages, sheds, or fences.
Liability: Damages or injuries to others if a fire spreads to neighbors or guests.

Keep your policy up-to-date and ensure it covers the full cost of repairing or replacing your home. Speak with an agent to confirm your coverage is adequate.

Fire Safety Tips for Your Business

Fire safety isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s essential for employee safety and business continuity.

Review exit routes and fire extinguisher locations with employees.
Conduct regular fire drills and safety walkthroughs.

Employees should know to:

Yell “fire” to alert others.
Exit quickly using stairs, not elevators.
Avoid opening doors that are warm.
Crawl on hands and knees if needed.
Close doors behind them if possible.
Call 9-1-1 once outside and stay out until cleared by firefighters.

Direct employees to NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week resources for more guidance.

Foster a Safety-First Culture

Encourage employees to report fire hazards.
Post fire safety guidelines in shared spaces like kitchens.
Understand how electrical faults, flammable materials, and improper storage create fire risks.
Lead by example with inspections, smoke alarm testing, and adherence to safety policies.

Test and Replace Smoke Detectors

Install smoke alarms in hallways, stairwells, every floor, and enclosed areas (offices, bathrooms, storage rooms). Test them monthly and replace them every 10 years—or sooner if needed.

Ensure Your Business Insurance Covers Fire Risks

The right insurance coverage can help your business recover after a fire:

Commercial property insurance: Covers repair or replacement of your building, inventory, furniture, equipment, and other assets. Add coverage for outdoor signs, fences, and landscaping. Replacement cost coverage offers higher payouts than actual cash value policies.
Commercial general liability: Covers damage or injuries to third parties.
Business interruption insurance: Protects against lost income if your business temporarily shuts down due to fire or other events.

Fire preparedness is about more than compliance, it’s about protecting your family, employees, and assets. Speak with an expert at C&S Insurance to ensure your home or business is fully covered and ready for a fire.