Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually, according to Ready.gov.

To commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has declared October 4-10, 2015 as Fire Prevention Week. Insurance agents may want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of home fire safety and preparedness to Homeowner policy prospects and customers.

Did you know that most home fires occur in the kitchen while cooking and are the leading cause of injuries from fire? Or, that common causes of fires at night are carelessly discarded cigarettes, sparks from fireplaces without spark screens or glass doors, and heating appliances left too close to furniture or other combustibles? These fires can be particularly dangerous because they may smolder for a long period before being discovered by sleeping residents.

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Jayleen R. Heft

Jayleen Heft is the digital content editor for PropertyCasualty360.com. Contact her at [email protected].