As if homeowners didn’t have enough problems already, there has been an emerging trend in recent weeks: House fires. These home fires can be very deadly and strike when least expected. We urge our residents to check those batteries in the smoke detectors to make sure they still work to avoid any serious problems ranging from loss of life to personal investments.

Not those household fires are completely avoidable, but by taking small steps, the damage and safety problems can be minimized. In recent weeks there have been a rash of house fires in the Northern Valley region, Bergen and Passaic counties. Some were more devastating than others were.

In Englewood, two people narrowly escaped from a fast moving fire that started in the basement of an East Forest Avenue home. Had those residents been sound asleep the house wouldn’t have been the only thing lost.

Smoke detectors and certain types of alarm systems can mean the difference between life and death. Also, not overloading electrical sockets and making sure that wires aren’t frayed can help. Most local fire departments offer other safety tips residents can follow to make sure their home and family is safe.

Not that this is groundbreaking news, but a house fire, or any fire for that matter can and does strike without warning. And we want you to be safe when you are home.

If you have any doubts about how safe your home is from fires, we urge you to contact your local fire department. They can’t prevent fires from starting, but they can certainly help you to avoid serious ones such as the East Forest Avenue blaze.