Structure fires can start in many different ways. Some come from the kitchen, where an appliance malfunctioned or some grease caught on fire. Others are caused by faulty wiring or simply homeowner or tenant mistakes. What do all of these things have in common? They cause damage to the buildings in your homeowner’s association (HOA), condo building, or apartment complex, all of which could cost your organization or business quite a bit of money to repair.
So, in honor of fire prevention month, it’s important to go over some fire prevention and safety measures, as well as your insurance policies, which should help you repair your building after a fire.
Fire Prevention Suggestions
Studies have shown that using fire prevention techniques drastically lowers the chance that one of your properties will catch fire. Some suggestions include:
Checking Cords and Electrical Appliances – Since most fires are electrical in origin, it’s important that your tenants understand that questionable appliances and those with broken cords still plugged into walls are hazards. It’s easy to hold a seminar for them so that they know what to avoid.
Insisting Tenants Take a Safety Course – Speaking of seminars, having your tenants take a basic fire safety course can lower your liability and your insurance rates in some cases.
Ideas for Fire Safety
On top of fire prevention, you also need to set up some fire safety equipment that will alert tenants should smoke be detected, as well as provide them with a way to put out the fire. Here are a few ideas:
Fire Alarms – Good fire alarms, like those wired into a building or at the very least, battery operated ones that are well maintained can alert residents and save lives.
Extinguishers and Suppression – Another option involves having sprinklers or a fire suppression built into your apartment complex, but strategically placed fire extinguishers in easily accessible places can help as well.
Emergency Escape Plans – Every large building should have an emergency escape plan. It’s crucial to not only have it posted near every exit, but also in the hands of your tenants or condo owners so that they know to use it when necessary.
Having the Right Insurance Policies
When it comes to insurance policies, it’s crucial that yours covers the exterior of your building entirely. While your tenants or homeowners should have their own policies that cover the contents of their homes, your business or HOA is responsible for the exteriors, as well as the public parts of the building, like elevators and hallways.
Make sure that your building insurance policy, whether it’s a special HOA policy or condo or apartment complex option, has the right coverage amounts. Also check to ensure that your insurance covers fire damage. This way, you won’t be liable for repairs or rebuilding out of pocket.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about fire prevention for your HOA, condo, or apartment complex? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance coverage plan your condo, HOA, or complex needs.