Amica Insurance Offers Safety Tips for Fire Prevention Week

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National Fire Protection Administration reminder that smoke detectors save lives

Each year thousands of Americans die in fires and many more are injured

Lincoln, RI (Vocus) October 4, 2010

Amica Insurance reminds everyone that this week is National Fire Protection Week and offers some tips for fire safety.

“Each year thousands of Americans die in fires and many more are injured,” said Sean Welch, a senior assistant vice president with Amica Mutual Insurance Co. “In order to prevent fires from occurring in the home, it is important to plan ahead and know what to do if a fire does occur.”
Here are a few tips:

• Create an evacuation plan so your family knows how to get out safely. Each family member should know two ways to escape in the event of a fire.
• Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it.
• Talk to children about the dangers of playing with matches and lighters.
• Don’t use portable heaters or candles when unattended or if you are sleeping.
• Make sure washing machines, dryers and stoves are cleaned and serviced.

“Some of the leading causes of house fires include washing machines, dryers and stoves,” Welch said. “That’s why it’s important not to leave them on when you’re asleep or if you’re not home.”

It’s also important to make sure you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and that they’re working properly, Welch added.

Here are a few reminders:

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Demonstrate for children what a smoke detector sounds like and talk to them about what to do if they hear one.
• Test each smoke and carbon monoxide alarm monthly to make sure it works.
• Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year, when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
• Replace the alarms every 10 years.

“House fires can occur in many different areas,” Welch said. “Preparing your home and family can help you prevent and survive a fire.”
For more information on fire safety, visit http://www.firepreventionweek.org and http://www.usfa.dhs.gov.

About Amica Mutual Insurance
Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.
CONTACT:    Vince Burks, Corporate Communications, 50 Amica Way,
Lincoln, RI 02865-1155, 1-800-652-6422 ext. 24563
Web site: Amica.com
Twitter: Amica Insurance
Facebook: Amica Mutual Insurance Co.

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