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In a very short amount of time, a fire can accelerate from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze. Fires destroy thousands of homes in the United States each year, so it is important for all homeowners to take steps to prevent them. It is also important to know what to do when a fire breaks out and how to control it. Research shows that almost 80 percent of structural fires happen in peoples' homes or apartments. Almost all of these fires are preventable, so fireproofing a home is the most important step to take.

There is much more to fireproofing a residence than purchasing a fire extinguisher and testing smoke alarms regularly. For increased safety, consider the following suggestions:

In the U.S. today, many homes are being built in wooded areas. Rural plains, forests and mountains are all becoming popular construction sites. Although homeowners in such areas enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery, they also face the risk of wildfires. Some homes survive wildfires, but many are destroyed each year. However, homes that survive are almost always the result of prepared homeowners. By preparing now, homeowners in every risky area can protect themselves, their families and their homes.

Vacation is a time every family, couple or individual looks forward to. However, home invaders can easily ruin vacations. When a person gets a call from the authorities about such an incident, it often cuts the trip short. Leaving a home with broken windows or doors can only invite more trouble, so homeowners usually find themselves on the next flight home. Fortunately, there are several simple steps people can take to reduce the chance of a burglary in a vacant home.

The rate of car theft is so high today that it would be a Fortune 500 company if stock analyst firms measured it. Although thieves may not be the most upstanding citizens in society, they have excellent organizational skills. Discriminating thieves will not just break into any random car to look around. When they make the effort to steal, they make sure it is worth their time and the risk of getting caught. In many cases, they may be after the vehicle itself instead of the contents of it. What they are after is economic gain, so they choose carefully. Unfortunately, people who own vehicles that are popular to buy usually also own automobiles that are popular targets for car thieves. This information may sound discouraging to many car owners. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent theft.

New cars bring the need for auto insurance, and liability coverage alone will not be adequate. Although it may satisfy the state's legal minimum requirements, it will not be enough to compensate for most accidents. In most cases, vehicle owners have unpaid loans to think about, so repairs are almost impossible to pay for. Even spare parts are expensive if they are available at all. As soon as a new car leaves the showroom or lot, its value depreciates considerably. For this reason, the majority of vehicle owners feel safer with insurance that covers accidents, theft and natural disasters. Consider the following tips when looking for coverage.

When spring arrives each year, many homeowners are reminded that flood damage is not covered under a homeowners policy. However, water damage is covered under a homeowners insurance policy. It is important to understand the difference between water damage and flooding. Water damage is defined as damage that comes downward from the top. Although this is not completely accurate in all situations, it is a good rule to remember. If the water is above ground level, the incident is probably covered. However, there is an exception. If damage is caused by a pipe that is letting water drip slowly into the home, it is not covered. 

It is important for homeowners to take the right steps to prevent mold and mildew growing in the home. If there is already mold growing, it is important to remove it immediately. Moisture in the basement, attic, kitchen or bathroom creates an ideal place for mold to grow and spread. If mildew is left untreated, it can ruin furniture, fabric and walls. It can also trigger allergic reactions and other physical illnesses in family members. Battling mold growth is an ongoing challenge, but there are a few helpful steps homeowners can take to keep their living spaces free of this annoying fungus.

Many insurance claims are filed each year as the result of collisions with deer or moose. Although some accidents may happen regardless of precautions, most can be avoided with heightened awareness. Follow these tips to avoid a collision with a moose or deer.

Inattention, driving under the influence of alcohol and excessive speeding are all reckless behaviors that have bad outcomes. Such drivers ultimately cause accidents, which may end the lives of innocent people. In addition to the expenses and punishments stemming from legal trouble, reckless drivers also experience higher auto insurance rates. Before this happens, their licenses may be suspended for a period of time. To have a license reinstated, a driver must usually take classes and pay a fee. Auto insurance following such a reinstatement is much more expensive than traditional rates.

For those who plan to to remodel your house, it is important to have the right type of insurance and the right amount of coverage. Insurance should be in place during and after construction. Anyone considering a remodeling project should contact an agent before the process begins. Many people must alter their coverage or add more. Waiting until the project starts or is finished can be an expensive mistake, so take the following four important steps to avoid an expensive problem.