In 2023, U.S. residents reported about 167,800 cooking fires, causing 2,500 injuries and more than $572 million in property loss.

Taking proactive safety measures can help reduce the risk of a fire in your home, making your kitchen even safer. 

Kitchen precautions

• Make sure your smoke detectors are working.
• Maintain a clean environment (i.e. stovetop, vents, oven interior and countertops) to prevent a fire from starting.
• Do not store items in the oven in order to avoid forgetting and starting a fire when preheating.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and get it inspected by the fire department regularly.
• Have a fire escape plan - and practice it twice a year.

Cooking tips

• Do not leave your stovetop unattended. This is the leading cause of kitchen fires. If you have to leave the room, turn your burner off.
• Avoid cooking while wearing loose clothes or dangling sleeves.
• Keep flammable items away from the stovetop and oven, such as hand towels, pot holders, napkins and wooden spoons.
• Keep a pan lid nearby when cooking on the stovetop with even a small amount of grease in case the pan catches on fire and you need to cover it, then turn off the burner and keep it covered until completely cooled.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the oven is still on.
• Turn off the heat and keep the doors closed for oven fires.
• Never throw hot grease into the trash because combustible items can ignite a fire.
• Avoid using the stove or stovetop if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol.

Child safety

• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and when to call 911.
• Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, so they can’t be bumped or pulled down.
• Designate a few feet around the stovetop that children are not allowed to enter.
• Store children’s snacks away from the stovetop and oven.

If you are ever in doubt extinguishing a small fire, just get out of the house and close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Once safely outside, call 911.

Talk to your independent insurance agent about our home coverage options in order to protect you in the unfortunate event of a fire. Make sure you understand the difference between your home’s market value and its replacement cost to ensure you have the proper coverage and limits in place.

Sources:

U.S. Fire Administration

National Fire Protection Association

The Spruce Eats

The American National Red Cross

Home fire safety precautions are important year-round, but did you know, about half of all home heating fires occur in the chilly months of December, January and February?

No matter how you heat your home, these simple safety tips can help prevent heating fires and ensure you’ll stay warm and cozy.

Tips to remember

General safety

• Keep flammable items at least three feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, space heaters, wood stoves, radiators and candles.
• Furnaces and chimneys should be inspected by a professional every year.
• Refrain from using an oven as a heating source.
• Never leave fireplaces, space heaters or wood stoves burning when you leave your home or go to sleep.

Space heater safety

Space heaters is the heating source most often involved in home heating equipment fires.

• Make sure your space heater shuts off automatically, in case it falls over.
• Plug it directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
• Turn it off before leaving the room.

Fireplace safety

• Keep a metal screen or glass partition in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks or embers from flying out into the room.
• Do not burn paper.
• Allow ashes to cool and then remove and store them in a metal container with a lid outside, at least 10 feet away from your home.

Wood stove safety

• Place your stove on a noncombustible, fire-resistant base.
• Do not burn paper. Only burn dry wood.
• Never use flammable fluids to start the fire.

Talk to your independent insurance agent about our home coverage options in order to protect your home in the event of a fire.

Sources

National Fire Protection Association Heating Safety Tip Sheet

U.S. Fire Administration Heating Fire Safety

Insurance Information Institute Wood Stove Safety

National Fire Protection Association

Montgomerycountymd.gov

Picture this: a warm fire with roasted marshmallows. The weather is 70 degrees and all of your close family and friends are with you. Yes, owning a fire pit is enjoyable, but a huge responsibility.

Laying down rules and being aware of the safety hazards around them is useful for prevention of any fires or damage to your property.
 

Seven steps to fire pit safety

1. Check weather – Avoid using your fire pit on windy days, since flames or embers can spread to your home, yard and nearby trees. By checking the weather forecast ahead of time, you can predict if the conditions will be right for a fire or not.
2. Assess area – Before lighting the fire, check the area around you to make sure there are no debris or objects that could potentially catch on fire. This means there are no combustible materials or loose leaves around the pit.
3. Check distance – The fire should also be set 10 to 20 feet away from objects, buildings and guests.
4. Have a bucket of water nearby – Keep five gallons of water near you at all times in case of a fire that needs to be put out immediately. Keep a fully charged fire extinguisher and first aid kit handy as well.
5. Use the right wood – Use wood that has been properly seasoned, meaning, not wood that has been just cut from trees. Store-bought wood from your local hardware store is a safer bet because it is made specifically for fire pit usage. The length of the logs should be less than ¾ the diameter of the pit. Also, never burn wood on air quality alert days to avoid health issues.
6. Place a screen – By purchasing a screen that can be placed around the fire, you can shield any flames from spreading and create a barrier so people know what a safe distance should be from the pit.
7. Douse fires accordingly – Pour water from your bucket up and down the length of the fire, then side to side. Hold the water several feet over the fire to avoid getting burned by the steam and thoroughly cover all the wood and embers until the fire stops smoking. Under no circumstances should you leave a fire to let the embers burn down.

The growing popularity of fire pits

The idea of having a fire in your own backyard is a popular and growing trend that has attracted many homeowners. The fire pit market is also projected to grow 6.5% by 2030.

However, they can also be very hazardous. Outdoor heaters or fire pit injuries sent about 6,200 to the emergency room in 2021. The Hanover offers a broad selection of insurance solutions to protect your family, assets and home. Contact your independent insurance agent to learn more.

Sources:

HGTV
This Old House
Fireplace Mall
U.S. Fire Administration
EPA

Sitting around a bonfire with family and friends is a fun way to wind down an evening. When we roast marshmallows and spend time with friends, however, it’s easy to forget about the risk factors involved with outdoor fires.

Up to 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans, in many cases resulting from campfires or bonfires left unattended with loose embers and burning debris. Here are some safety guidelines to follow before the first match is lit.

Bonfire safety guidelines

• Build the bonfire at least 10 feet away from any structures and combustible materials.
• Be mindful of the weather. Never build a bonfire with extremely windy or dry conditions in the forecast.
• Check with your municipality for any rules or regulations about having bonfires, and if any burn bans are in place.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case the fire begins to spread. Dirt and sand can also be used to extinguish the fire in the absence of water. It is important to be prepared in case of emergency.
• Keep a close eye on the bonfire, especially if children and pets are nearby. Explain safety precautions to kids so they know where to go and how to act around a fire.
• Avoid using accelerants such as aerosol cans, pressurized containers and glass and aluminum cans to prevent explosions or harmful fumes.

Things to keep in mind

Wear appropriate clothing — wear non-flammable clothing when starting, sitting by or extinguishing the fire. Hard-soled shoes are a better choice than rubber sneakers or flip flops, as leaping sparks could cause their material to ignite.

Keep an eye on alcohol consumption — if you and your guests are enjoying an adult beverage around the bonfire, be mindful of your consumption. Too much alcohol can lead to clumsiness and careless behavior, such as getting too close to the fire or tossing in the wrong items.

Put out the fire safely — when the evening comes to a close, and you’ve let the fire burn out, use a shovel to spread out the ashes and let them cool down. Slowly pour water over the ashes and monitor them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain. Place the cooled ashes in a metal can that is designated for ash storage only. You should not leave the site until you know the fire is fully out.

Stay protected

If you plan on having a bonfire this summer, talk to your independent insurance agent about insurance coverage you may need to protect your family, your home and your assets. Looking for insurance guidance? Find an agent in your area.

Sources:

Insurance Information Institute

Mosquito Magnet
U.S. National Forest Service

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 20,000 patients visit emergency rooms annually with injuries involving grills, including 9,500 thermal burns.

While grilling is a year-round activity, grill usage - and corresponding injuries - spike around summer holidays. To stay safe and enjoy the barbeque, consider these guidelines.

Before you grill

• Clean out the grill thoroughly and check the hoses for leaks prior to the first use during the grilling season.
• Keep propane and charcoal grills outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as porches or tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing people to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Grill should be placed a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and places where people are gathering. Grills should always be on level ground and at least three feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Make sure gas grill lids are open before lighting them.
• Matches, lighters and starter fluid should be out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Children and pets must stay away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.

While you grill

• For charcoal grills, only use lighter fluid specifically intended for charcoal grills.
• Put away any jewelry or watches that could conduct heat and cause burns.
• Never leave your grill unattended while in use.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

After you grill

• Douse charcoal grill embers with water and keep the lid on for 48 hours afterwards.
• Place the embers in a coffee can or wrap them in foil when it safe to finally dispose of them.
• Store grills at least 10 feet from doors, windows and dryer vents and at least 20 feet from your home's intake vents.

Whether its hot dogs or burgers, grilling is a favorite activity but must be done with caution and care. Be sure to consult your independent insurance agent to be sure you have the right home and umbrella coverage should an unexpected grilling accident occur.

Sources:
National Fire Protection Association grill fact sheet and grill safety sheet
NPR

Every year hundreds of fires are started as a result of candle use. These fires are not only emotionally devastating but they also cause millions of dollars in losses each year. Candle fires, however, are preventable in many ways. Below are some simple guidelines to help prevent fires from occurring from open flame candles.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep burning candles away from children and pets.
• Do not place candles near combustible objects such as curtains, clothing, walls, books, holiday decorations, flammable liquids, etc.
• Use candle holders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, made from a non-combustible material and large enough to safely catch dripping wax.
• Place candles on a protected, heat resistant, level surface.
• Avoid burning candles in drafty areas such as near open windows or doorways.
• Keep wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and less.
• Avoid walking with lit candles. Allow candles to cool before handling, trimming wicks, or re-lighting.
• Extinguish candles with care, as wax may splatter. A candle quencher or snuffer is recommended.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC JAN 2019 14-75
171-1006 (01/14)

Tires are something a lot of drivers take for granted. However, ignoring your tires can come at a cost – worn out tires can reduce the control you have of your vehicle, decrease gas mileage and result in a less comfortable ride. So, when the rubber hits the road, you’ll want to make sure your tires are in optimal shape. The good news is, with a little diligence, you can play a big part in keeping your tires roadworthy.

Get pumped

The most important thing to consider is inflation. Seems obvious, but consider that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, just 19% of drivers keep their tires properly inflated. Simply put: properly inflated tires perform better, last longer and keep you safer. All you need is a tire pressure gauge, which can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Use it every 3,000 miles or right before a long trip, especially during cold weather when tires naturally deflate. And if you have a newer car, your dashboard may indicate when your tire pressure is getting low. Don’t ignore it.

You can always refer to the owner’s manual to determine what the correct inflation is for your tires. Tire pressure limits can be found on a printed sticker inside the driver's door. Note: don’t use the “maximum limit” included on the tire as your guide. That number reflects the maximum amount of pressure the tire can safely take. Overinflating tires can result in reduced traction and the increased possibility of a blowout.

'Change' your tires

An important element to check every 3,000 miles is your tire’s tread depth. A tire depth gauge is the most efficient way to measure tread depth, but there’s an easy way to do it as well with a little spare change you may have around the house.

Stay in the rotation

Lastly, seeing how much rotating they already do, it may sound like odd advice to rotate your tires. But, tires do not wear out uniformly, which means they gradually become unbalanced. This contributes to your car “leaning” when you let go of a wheel, a shimmy in the steering wheel at certain speeds, and decreased tire life as well. Have your mechanic rotate front-to-back (and vice versa) every 6,000 miles or so.

Good tires are worth the care. If you get into an accident, having mechanical parts replacement auto coverage, like the kind offered by The Hanover, means you’ll receive the full amount for new tires in the event of a claim, without a deduction for depreciation. Talk to your independent insurance agent to make sure your tires – and your car – are properly protected.

Sources:
Family Handyman

NHTSA

Cars.com

Being a safe driver is not enough to keep you accident free. Unfortunately, another driver may cause an accident. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, the person may not have enough — or any — insurance coverage to pay for your medical bills, if you are injured, or repair damage to your vehicle.

How many uninsured drivers are there?

What are your chances of having an accident with an uninsured driver? Recent data from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) suggests that if you are in a collision, you have a one in eight chance of the other driver having no auto insurance coverage at all. That could mean if the uninsured driver is at fault, the cost of the accident will be paid by your insurance, if you have coverage, or out of your pocket.

The cost of uninsured motorists

However, even if the person carries the minimum amount of auto liability coverage required by the state of residence that does not mean the driver, if at fault, has sufficient coverage in the event of an accident that causes extensive injury and/or vehicle damage.

The most uninsured motorists drive in these states

Two things are most likely to impact the number of uninsured drivers in a state — state law and the cost of auto insurance. Higher auto insurance costs are associated with a higher number of uninsured motorists in a state. While the countrywide average of uninsured motorists is 12.6 percent, six states come in with averages of more than 20 percent, including Tennessee, Michigan, New Mexico, Washington, Florida and Mississippi with a nation-high 29.4 percent. Wyoming, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York and Maine are the states with the lowest percentage of uninsured drivers with averages ranging from 5.8 percent in Wyoming to 3.1 percent in New Jersey. However, even drivers in states with low percentages of uninsured drivers should be vigilant. Discover the percentage of uninsured motorists in your state.

Protect yourself

Even though 49 states — all but New Hampshire, and the District of Columbia — require drivers to have auto liability insurance to drive legally, the number of uninsured motorists is up for the first time in seven years. One of the best ways to protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured drivers is to be sure you have enough of the right coverage, including uninsured and underinsured coverage, and high enough limits yourself.

How much coverage do you need? The rule of thumb is you should have the same amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as you have bodily injury coverage. So, if you have bodily injury limits of $100k if one person is injured and $300k if multiple people are injured, you should carry the same limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

The Insurance Information Institute offers additional details on how to protect yourself in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
                                                                                   
In addition to checking your auto insurance coverage and limits, another great way to safeguard yourself is to have an umbrella policy. It kicks in when you reach the limits of your auto policy. For example, The Hanover offers an umbrella policy with $1 million uninsured/underinsured coverage for Platinum customers, and, in some states, offers $2 million of uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Contact your independent insurance agent to help ensure you have the right combination of coverages, value and price.
 

Uninsured and underinsured drivers pose financial risk and danger for insured drivers. Data shows that more than $13 billion was paid in uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in 2016, the most recent data available. This high cost is one reason insurance premiums are on the rise across the country. Explore our interactive infographic to learn what other factors are impacting auto insurance premiums.

Source: Uninsured Motorists, 2021 edition, Insurance Research Council

LC 2018-007

With the average age of cars on the road today at an all-time high, vehicle maintenance is increasingly important, particularly during the busy holiday season. Before a road trip, even small maintenance tasks can increase vehicle safety and minimize costly repair problems in the future. To help keep you safe when traveling this holiday season, here are five simple steps to take before hitting the road.

1. Clean your windshield and windows inside and outside to increase visibility. During the holidays, many are traveling on unfamiliar roads and often in the dark, so having good visibility is important, especially if you run into inclement weather.
2. Replace your windshield wipers if they aren’t working well or are more than six months old. Bad windshield wipers make driving in the rain more dangerous, especially on unfamiliar roads.
3. Check, change or top-off your oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluids, despite the distance you are traveling. This helps the car systems to perform well.
4. Check your headlights and taillights to make sure all are working. New bulbs are easy to install, inexpensive, and improve visibility and safety. In most states you can receive a traffic violation for a non-working exterior light, so make sure to be aware of yours.
5. Get your tires checked and consider having them rotated. Consider replacing any tires that look suspect, as tire blow-outs can be dangerous. Having to replace a flat tire on your trip can also deflate your enjoyable family getaway.

Taking time before a trip to ensure your vehicle is operating safely is well worth the effort. However, it’s important to remember that you aren’t the only driver on the road. Make sure you have the right insurance to protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured motorists.

Nearly one in eight U.S. motorists is driving around uninsured, putting insured drivers at greater risk in the event of an auto accident, according to a study directed by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), co-sponsored by The Hanover.

Make sure to pack the right insurance for your road trip. Talk to your independent agent to make sure you have the right coverage in place, like travel and auto insurance, which offers roadside assistance and original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM).

LC 2018-499

Americans are logging more and more miles via car than ever before: 3.23 trillion in 2021. According to the Federal Highway Administration, this is the highest of all time.

All of those extra miles mean the risk of an auto accident is greater than ever, too. Fortunately, with a little preparation, and the right insurance coverage in place, an accident doesn’t have to turn into major disruption of your travel plans.

To travel with peace of mind, keep these Ps in mind.

Protect

• Start by getting some advice from your local independent insurance agent. Your agent can assess your insurance risks to help protect against the unexpected.
• Consider trip interruption coverage, which reimburses certain expenses when you are involved in a covered accident far from home. Food, lodging, transportation, and costs to get your vehicle to a repair shop are often covered.
• If an accident takes your vehicle off the road for a prolonged period, you’ll probably need to rent a car. With single limit rental reimbursement, you’ll be able to select the “large” or “luxury SUV” for this rental, when a preferred rental provider is used.
• If you are a frequent renter, options like rental car coverage offer extra protection in the event you get in an accident with a rental car. This includes costs such as reimbursement to the rental agency for vehicle depreciation, or loss of income due to the vehicle being out of service, expenses that could otherwise come out of pocket.

Plan

• Know your trip and your route.
• Know what Mother Nature may have planned. Anticipating bad weather can save time and trouble.
• Be sure you are well rested. Get a good night’s sleep before leaving and plan to stop for breaks every couple of hours. Try to stretch your legs or have a snack when you stop.
• Share the driving with someone else, if possible. If you are driving alone, listen to the radio and open your window enough to get some fresh air.
• Insist that everyone, including older children and adults, buckle their seat belts – even when riding in the back seat.
• If you are traveling with younger children, be sure all car and booster seats are properly installed and secured.

Prep

• Clean all vehicle lights, reflectors and windows.
• Check your tires, belts, hoses, engine oil and fluids.
• Be sure your spare tire is ready for use and that you know how to operate your car jack. Check to see that all of the car’s wheels can be removed.
• It’s always a good idea to bring tools, a flashlight, reflective triangles and road flares.
• For longer trips, arrange for a qualified mechanic to service your vehicle before the trip.

Pack

• Do not overpack. You will want to be sure you and others are comfortable and that the driver’s view is not impaired in any way.
• Use interior tie-down hooks to secure luggage and other large or heavy objects. A 25-pound suitcase can become a heavy projectile if you come to a sudden stop at 60 miles per hour.
• Store cargo on your vehicles roof only when necessary, and then, pack carefully. Excess cargo on roof racks and in cargo carriers can alter a vehicle’s center of gravity and increase the risk of a rollover.
• Use a pet barrier, harness or crate, for your safety, your pet’s safety and the safety of others on the road.

Avoid tr-interruption-ip

Your local independent agent can provide a “road map” to a safe journey, with tips and coverage to help you keep all the stops on your trip scenic ones.