Is Your Home Ready If a Fire Starts?

A home fire can take everything in minutes. According to the American Red Cross, home fires kill about seven people in the U.S. every day, and fire experts say you may have as little as two minutes to get out once the smoke alarm sounds. Here is what we recommend every family in Poland and the Mahoning Valley check this season.

1. Make sure your smoke alarms work

• Put a smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Press the test button once a month.
• Replace any alarm that is 10 years old or older. The date is printed on the back.
• Need help? The Red Cross installs free smoke alarms through its Sound the Alarm program.

2. Practice a two-minute escape plan

• Know two ways out of every room.
• Pick a meeting spot outside, like a mailbox or a neighbor’s tree.
• Practice with everyone in the house twice a year, including at night.
• Once you are out, stay out and call 911.

3. Check that your insurance would rebuild your home today

Building costs have climbed in recent years. If your dwelling coverage was set years ago, it may not cover what it costs to rebuild now. When we review a home policy, we look at:

• Dwelling coverage: is it close to today’s cost to rebuild?
• Personal property: would it replace your belongings at today’s prices, or only pay what they are worth used?
• Additional living expenses: how long would it pay for a place to stay while your home is repaired?
• Your deductible: could you comfortably pay it after a loss?

Quick tip: walk through your home with your phone recording video, opening closets and drawers. Save it somewhere other than your phone. It makes a claim much easier if you ever need one.

Want a second set of eyes on your coverage?

We are an independent agency in Poland, Ohio, and we compare coverage from multiple carriers. A home insurance review is free. Schedule a review or call or text us at 234-254-5660.

This article is general information, not a promise of coverage. Every policy is different; your coverage depends on your policy’s terms. Updated November 2026.