Florida Home Insurance and Fireworks

Does your Florida Home Insurance covers Fireworks accidents claims?

Make sure that you and everyone handling fireworks are doing so in a safe manner and you won't have to worry about fires and injuries. However, just in case an accident does occur, review your policy to make sure that you understand the situations for which you are covered.

Before you start planning your own celebration which will include fireworks, review your homeowner’s policy with your insurance agent. In Florida, purchasing fireworks for personal use it may be illegal in some counties, which means that your home insurance policy will not protect you in the event of an accident incurring in damage to your property, damage to someone else’s property, or injuries as a result of the fireworks. We, at American US Insurance want your holiday to be happy and safe. Here are a few fireworks safety tips to keep your family and your home safe during the 4th Of July celebration.

First and foremost, review your Florida home insurance policy to be sure you have the protection you need, such as replacement cost coverage for your personal property and dwelling, enough liability coverage to protect your assets, medical payments, deductibles and excess liability insurance through an umbrella policy. Those are key points to review with your insurance agent as soon as a celebration event is coming like the Independence Day, to make sure your home and valuables are properly protected.

How to protect your home

There are a few things you can do to minimize your risk especially if you won’t be home that evening.

• Make sure your gutters are clean and trim your trees and bushes. Remember, fireworks can cause grass fires, as well as various types of blazes.

• Keep your yard clean & make sure there is no fuel for the fire if a firework does land on your house or in your yard.

• Soaking the bushes around your home with water can also help to deter fires from starting.

• If you are renting your house, ask your neighbors to keep an eye on your property and even give you a call if your renters start setting off any type of fireworks.

• If you are going to use fireworks at home, be sure you are lighting them in a safe area, away from homes or buildings.

• A fire extinguisher should always be kept nearby in case of an emergency.

• When using fireworks, always follow instructions. Do not attempt to re-light duds or create homemade fireworks.

• Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers which burn at more than 1000 degrees, can cause third degree burns. Kids under 15 account for approximately 40% of fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

• A responsible adult should always be present when children, even teenagers are around fireworks. More than half of fireworks injuries happen to those younger than 20 years old.

With some safety guides and planning, this 4th of July will be both safe and enjoyable for everyone. We at American US Insurance wish you a safe and happy Independence Day.