Recent Results:
State: Florida Public Insurance Adjuster
County: Indian River County Public Insurance Adjuster
City: Indian River Shores Public Insurance Adjuster
Indian River Shores 32963 – Neighborhood: Coconut Palm Road
Claim Type: Wind/Water – Roof Leak
Insurance Company Original Offer: $15,300
Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $142,000 ( New Roof)
Percentage Increase: +820%
State: Florida Public Insurance Adjuster
County: Indian River County Public Insurance Adjuster
City: Indian River Shores Public Insurance Adjuster
Indian River Shores 32963 – Neighborhood: Barker Island
Claim Type: HVH – (High Value Home) Wind/Water – Roof Leak
Insurance Company Original Offer: $23,000
Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $340,000 ( New Roof +)
Percentage Increase: +1300%
State: Florida Public Insurance Adjuster
County: Indian River County Public Insurance Adjuster
City: Indian River Shores Public Insurance Adjuster
Indian River Shores 32963 – Neighborhood: Shores Drive
Claim Type: Wind/Water – Roof Leak
Insurance Company Original Offer: $31,000
Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $160,000 ( New Roof +)
Percentage Increase: +400%
State: Florida Public Insurance Adjuster
County: Indian River County Public Insurance Adjuster
City: Indian River Shores Public Insurance Adjuster
Indian River Shores 32963 – Neighborhood: Ocean Road
Claim Type: HVH – (High Value Home) Wind/Water – Roof Leak
Insurance Company Original Offer: $65,000
Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $380,000 ( New Roof +)
Percentage Increase: +480%
How to Prevent Fire and Fire Damage in Your Home
House fires remain one of the most common causes of property loss in the United States. According to this 2022 house fire statistic, house fires caused 2,620 deaths and $6.9 billion in property damage in a five-year period (2015-2020). As the study shows, house fires not only claim property but frequently claim lives. In this article, we will shed light on the common causes of house fires and how to avoid them. If you are faced with fire damage in Indian River Shores, FL, contact a public adjuster at Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters. We will help you during any stage of the claims process and ensure you receive the highest settlement to get your life together and move on from this devastating event.
Save Lives – Know What Causes Fires
You can save lives by knowing the most common causes of residential fires. In general, fires that begin in the home are preventable. Of course, there are times when the cause is out of your control, such as a lightning strike, or when a utility pole catches on fire. Whether preventable or not, preparation is your first line of defense. But first, what are the most common causes of residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association? Let’s take a look:
Cooking Equipment/Kitchen Appliances
Your cooking appliances and equipment lead the list of top fire causes. Almost every essential appliance or cooking equipment in your kitchen can start a fire, including your:
- Stove
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Toaster/toaster oven
When you’re cooking, most fires are started when you leave your food unattended or forget to turn off the equipment or an appliance.
How to Avoid This?
Always be extra cautious when you are cooking. For example, when using the stove, make sure no flammable items are nearby, such as dishtowels and utensils. This is a tough request, but you should also avoid leaving the kitchen, if possible, especially when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, it is safe to leave the kitchen, but make sure you check your food regularly. Don’t forget, as a rule of thumb, you should always use a timer when cooking.
Heating Equipment
Heating equipment is ranked second on the list, however, it is less common in Florida, as temperatures are generally warm. Up north, when temperatures dip into the forties, you may need to use heating equipment or a heater to keep the home warm. Protect yourself and your family. Make sure to:
- Keep the heater away from flammable items.
- Buy a thermostat heater with overheat protection.
- Buy a heater with an auto shut-off feature in case you forget to turn it off yourself.
- Place the heater on a flat surface.
Electrical Fires
It probably comes as no surprise that your electrical equipment is a leading cause of residential fires. The top on this list include:
- Faulty electrical outlets: Get rid of any cords or switches that are old, frayed, or worn, as they can generate high levels of heat. In turn, this can lead to a small electrical fire turning into a catastrophe.
- Overloaded light fixtures: Do you use high wattage bulbs for lamps and other light fixtures that are not designed to handle high wattage? Avoid doing this, and only use bulbs with the recommended wattage to prevent an electrical fire.
- Improper use of extension cords: These long cords can be extremely useful, but when used improperly, can lead to fires. As a rule of thumb, do not plug large appliances, such as refrigerators, toasters, and microwaves into an extension cord. Always look for a nearby outlet instead.
Smoking and Candles
Smoking is a common cause of fires because people leave them unattended or fall asleep while smoking. The best preventative measure is to smoke outside of the house.
Candles, while simple and elegant décor, can also become problematic. Prevent your candles from causing a fire by never leaving them unattended, and always blow the candle out before going to bed. If you need to be reminded, set a timer when you should blow it out.
Contact Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters
If you need help filing a homeowner’s claim after fire damage, you may need the assistance of a licensed public adjuster. We can help you at any point in the claims process. Whether you need us to review your policy, prepare your claim, or appeal a denied claim, you can always count on our expert team. We work for you, not the insurance company. Contact us or call (888) 442-5742.
