A modern guide to fire safety

Home fires are a significant concern for homeowners. In 2023 alone, there were an estimated 352,000 residential structure fires, making up a quarter of the total reported fires and leading to $11.4 billion in property damage.¹ These figures serve as critical reminders of the importance of safeguarding our homes against a fire by taking preventative measures across the board. Thankfully, with advances in technology across home protection, there are more ways to do so today than ever before. Here, Berkley One’s VP of Risk Management, Amanda McComas, shares key insights and top devices to consider now for enhancing fire safety at home.

Professionally installed alarms

For fire safety measures on a comprehensive level, McComas notes the importance of installing a fully integrated smoke and carbon monoxide detector system—and leaving this work to the professionals.

“A professionally installed fire safety system allows an expert to advise on the number and placement of these detectors, to maximize a comprehensive defense,” she says. During installation, these professionals will adhere to the National Fire Protection Association’s smoke alarm placement standards, which consider details such as spacing across rooms and ceiling height.

“You may need more than just one alarm per floor; alarm installers help to determine this by factoring in your home size and layout.”

Another device that can be professionally installed is a heat sensor, which may be a better fit than a smoke alarm for many rooms of the home. “If there is a fire and a rapid increase in temperature, the heat, not smoke, will trigger the alarm, creating a faster response,” says McComas. Temperature sensors are particularly good for spaces that would otherwise too easily trigger a smoke alarm due to dust particles, fumes, or frequent temperature variation (e.g., the attic, garage, boiler room, or kitchen, where steam can also set off false alarms). A professionally installed system can also alert homeowners to other serious risks in the home. For those with a gas furnace or any gas appliances, McComas recommends installing a gas leak detector. And the low temperature sensor is a crucial aid during winter months, when it can alert homeowners to any drop in indoor temperatures prior to a burst pipe and potential water damage.

Fire suppression system

If you are constructing a new home, building a fire suppression system into your design is a sound step—but now it’s also possible to install this type of system into an existing home, thanks to new water mist fire suppression technologies.

“These are smart systems that use thermal sensing to help detect fires quickly,” says McComas.

That efficiency makes the system particularly good for those who live in or have second homes in more remote areas. “If you live somewhere that would take the fire department some time to reach, this kind of system can help to suppress the fire long enough until responders arrive.” Another bonus: the system is mounted on a wall (connected to the main water line) and uses thermal imagery to detect and target the location of the fire, thereby minimizing water damage throughout the room.

Electrical monitoring

Electrical faults are a significant cause of home fires, and since this wiring is behind the wall and unseen, these hazards are difficult to locate until after a fire starts. Now there are smart sensors that plug into the wall to detect these electrical arcs and alert homeowners directly through an app on their phone. “No professional installation is needed for these kinds of devices. It’s a type of safety tool that is easy to integrate and easy to use,” says McComas. “It’s one more way for us to help protect ourselves and our homes.”

Next steps

If you are planning to proceed with professional fire alarm system installation, it can help to do your research on vendors to find the right fit for you and your home. Take advantage of Berkley One’s PlusOne℠ Service Network, contractors and service providers specializing in home installations and repairs. And if you need guidance along the way, you can tap into Berkley One’s risk management expertise. We are here to help with proactive advice and risk consulting, for fire safety concerns and beyond.

To learn more, contact us here.

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Berkley One is an insurance provider for modern, sophisticated individuals and families. We’re redefining insurance with technology, innovation, expertise and the backing of Berkley, one of the nation’s premier insurance providers. Offering customized options for homes, automobiles, fine art, collectibles, liability, recreational marine and collector vehicles, we give clients the confidence to move forward and live their adventure.