We’re officially entering the colder months as autumn comes to an end and winter begins. On top of it all as the holidays approach, it’s important to take look at fire prevention tips for the holidays you may need to take when using the heater and cooking in the kitchen. We’ve gathered some of the top fire prevention tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for you to share with your customers. Understanding these tips will help you see how you can incorporate 2GIG® security products into your customers’ homes to ensure their protection and safety!

Taking Preventive Measures in the Kitchen

According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, with Thanksgiving being the leading day for fires involving cooking equipment. With that in mind, here are a few useful tips to follow when cooking:

• Stay in the kitchen and be attentive when you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting, check the food regularly and don’t leave the home.

• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.

• Remember to turn off all stovetop burners and ovens when finished cooking.

Offer to add a 2GIG Stove and Grill Guard Sensor to the home so homeowners are instantly notified via their security panel or smart phone if their equipment has been left on.

Smoke Alarms Ensure Added Security

 Smoke alarms detect and alert people to a fire in the early stages and statistics show they reduce the chances of home fire fatalities in half. By recommending the 2GIG Smoke/Heat/Freeze Sensor in your next home installation, you give your customers one of the best sensors to detect and notify them of a home fire. The Smoke/Heat/Freeze Sensor from 2GIG is designed to recognize smoke from common synthetic materials and decrease nuisance alarms from everyday cooking. Below are a few helpful tips on recommended installation locations and maintenance to share with your customers:

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

• Have a home fire escape plan including a map of the home with all exit points, establishing a meeting place outside, away from the home and practice the plan with a fire drill.

You can also add our FireFighter™ Listener-Transmitter to monitor any existing smoke detectors within the home!

Proper Precautions to Take for Home Heating Safety  

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In particular, space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating-related fires. Advise your customers to keep these simple tips in mind when using their heater:

• All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from heating equipment.

• Have a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Make sure a qualified professional installs your heating equipment.

• The best way to maintain heating equipment and chimneys is to have them cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year.

Feel free to share these fire prevention tips for the holidays with your customers via social media and email so they can learn the most effective kitchen, home heating and fire alarm safety practices!

Contact your Regional Sales Manager for additional product information. Looking for more security-related news and updates? Sign up for our newsletter for the most current information on our latest products, news and more!