Fire safety blog

January 21, 2026

Ways to stay safe during cold weather

Wintry conditions could lead more Texans to rely on space heaters and other ways to stay warm. The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office shares these tips to stay safe.

Caution with space heaters

In the last few years, several fatal fires in Texas were started by space heaters. Here are tips for keeping your family safe.

Inspect a heater before you use it. Make sure there are no cracked or broken plugs or loose connections.
Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Don’t use extension cords or power strips.
Keep your space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn.
Turn off your space heaters before you leave the room or go to bed. Look for models that shut off automatically when tipped over.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

Cars, trucks, stoves, grills, fireplaces, and many appliances that burn fuel can generate carbon monoxide. You can’t see or smell it, but if enough builds up, it can be deadly.

If there’s too much carbon monoxide nearby, you may feel short of breath, have a headache, or feel dizziness, nausea, or weakness.

Use these tips to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning:

Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
Never leave a car or truck running in a garage.
Never use a charcoal grill or portable camping stove inside.
Never use a portable generator in your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Only use these devices outdoors, and more than 20 feet away from open doors or windows.
Never use a stove to heat your home.
When using a fireplace, make sure first that the flue is open.
If your carbon monoxide or smoke alarm go off, do not ignore it. When the alarm sounds, make sure everyone goes outdoors. Call 9-1-1 and stay outdoors until emergency responders say it’s safe to go back in.

Resources

January 21, 2026

How to safely set up and run your portable generator

Español

If you own a portable generator, remember to place it outdoors at least 20 feet from your home’s doors, windows, or vents.

Keeping a distance helps protect you from carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly.

More generator safety tips:

Don’t put fuel in a hot generator. Turn it off and let it cool before refueling. Only put fuel in containers made for fuel. Never store fuel inside your home.
Take care of cords. Plug appliances into your generator directly or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord. Check the cord for cuts, tears, or missing prongs.
If you want to connect your generator to your house’s wiring, have a qualified electrician do it. Make sure the electrician uses a properly rated switch that meets electrical codes.

Watch our video for help using portable generators from Kelley Stalder, chief engineer of the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

View podcast Q&A: How to safely use a portable generator

Learn more

December 19, 2025

Older Texans face greater fire risks. Learn how to make a safe exit.

Español

Older adults have a higher risk of dying in a house fire. But taking precautions can save lives.

Some tips to prevent fires and to make a safe exit:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside the bedrooms. The best alarm system is interconnected so that when an alarm sounds in one room, alarms in the other rooms also go off.
Keep your glasses, cane, wheelchair, or other helping devices close in case you need to leave your home quickly.
Test your alarms monthly.
Replace alarm units every 10 years.

Make and practice a home escape plan with everyone in your house. In a fire, you might have just two minutes to get out.

Watch our “This Is TDI” video featuring Teresa Neal of the U.S. Fire Administration who shares fire safety tips, including cooking safety tips for older adults.

Learn more

December 18, 2025

Keep batteries out of trash and recycling bins. You have better options.

Español

Batteries are a part of our daily lives; they power cars, phones, household devices, and much more! But improper disposal of batteries can be a possible fire hazard. Avoid putting batteries into dumpsters, trash cans, recycling bins, or compost bins.

Instead, use these safe disposal tips:

It’s best for the environment to take batteries to a retail recycler or a community household hazardous waste collection site. Home improvement and other retail stores sometimes recycle batteries.
If you’re unable to remove a battery from the device it powers, take the whole device to an electronics store or a household hazardous waste collection site for disposal.
It’s against Texas law to put lead-acid car or truck batteries in your trash. Take your used battery to an automotive parts store or a hazardous household waste recycling facility. Plan to pay a small fee.
Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires and explosions if they are punctured. Do not place these batteries in your regular household trash or recycling. Instead, seal each battery’s electrical contacts – or terminals – with electrical tape. Or, put each battery in a separate container before taking them to a hazardous waste collection site.

December 8, 2025

Fire safety for electric cars

Español

Electric cars have different fire safety risks than traditional cars. If you have an electric car or are in the market for one, make sure you know these safety tips.

Hire a qualified electrician to inspect your home’s electrical system to make sure it can handle the charger.
Install a circuit that’s only used to charge your car.
Only use chargers that are nationally certified by a qualified testing laboratory.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain your car and charging equipment.
Install charging equipment away from combustible materials and high traffic areas.
Never use a damaged or worn charger.
Cover the charging outlet to keep water out.
Keep children and pets away from the charging station.
Don’t use an extension cord with the car charger.

Severe weather safety

Electric cars are generally safe to operate and charge during bad weather. But hurricanes and other severe weather can create hazards. Before storm clouds gather, make sure your electric car is ready to drive.

Charge your battery if you think the power might go out.
Don’t drive an electric car through a flooded street. The water can make the battery short circuit.
If your car was submerged in water, get it professionally inspected to be sure it’s safe to use.
During strong winds or lightning storms, don’t charge your car under trees or structures that could fall.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep your battery working in extreme heat or cold.

In the event of an emergency

Electric cars are engineered to be safe. But it’s still good to know what to do if there’s a fire.

If you see smoke or flames, exit the car immediately.
Call 911 and report the fire.
Stay away from the car while you wait for emergency responders.
Don’t try to extinguish the flames with water or liquid.
Don’t get back in the car until responders say it’s safe.
Don’t try to drive your car again until it passes a professional inspection.

Pro tip: Water and electricity are a dangerous mix because water conducts electricity. Pouring water on an electric fire makes the flames bigger and puts you at risk of electrocution. If necessary, use a CO2 or dry chemical fire extinguisher on an electric vehicle.

December 2, 2025

Fire safety for holiday decorations

Español

Did you know fire departments respond to about 832 home fires each year that are caused by holiday decorations? About 145 involve a Christmas tree. Whether you’re decking the halls or hanging lights, stay safe this season with these tips.

Never use candles to decorate the tree. Use lights that are rated for indoor use by a nationally recognized testing lab. Turn off the lights before you go to bed.
Check your lights. Whether they’re going on the tree or the house, replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulbs. Use clips or tape to hang lights. Nails can damage the cords.
Use electric candles. If you choose to light traditional candles, keep them away from other decorations. Blow out the candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
Choose the right extension cord for outdoor decorations. If you have an inflatable figure or lighting in your yard or on your house, make sure you use a cord that’s rated for outdoor use by a nationally recognized testing lab. Don’t use extension cords that are frayed or damaged.
Display your decorations in safe locations. Keep them away from doors and paths you might use in an emergency. Don’t block windows.

Learn more

Holiday fire safety tips (NFPA)
Holiday fire safety (US Fire Academy)

October 14, 2025

Scary but safe: What to look for at a haunted house

Español

Part of the fun of haunted houses is that they’re not like regular places. They’re meant to confuse, disorient, scare, and delight. This doesn’t mean they don’t have to meet safety codes, or that you should let your guard down.

“Even with all their terrifying features, treat haunted houses like you would any building,” says Kelley Stalder, SFMO’s chief deputy of inspections. “Make sure exits are properly labeled. Have an escape plan. Besides the ghosts and monsters, does the building look safe?”

The National Fire Protection Association calls haunted houses “special amusement buildings.” These businesses often have props and scenery that can make it harder to escape and can add fuel to the fire.

Here are some safety features to look for in a haunted house:

Automatic sprinklers.
Smoke alarms.
Exit marks on the floor.
Maximum occupancy signs.

Remember your safety when you’re out having fun this Halloween season, and you’ll be sure to have a “ghoul” time.

Learn more

October 9, 2025

Top 3 fire safety tips for lithium-ion batteries

Español

Lithium-ion battery fire safety is the focus of Fire Prevention Week October 5-11. Here are the top safety tips for protecting your home and family from an accidental battery fire.

Buy only certified products

When buying rechargeable devices in a store or online, look for a safety certification from a recognized testing laboratory. These certifications show the lithium-ion battery inside the product meets minimum U.S. safety standards for electrical and fire safety.

Charge devices safely

Charging is the riskiest time for lithium-ion batteries. To stay safe, always use the charger that came with the device or one that’s approved by the product manufacturer. Using an incompatible charger can lead to overheating, which increases the risk of fire.

While no method is risk-free, you can reduce your fire risk by following these safe charging practices:

Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface.
Keep devices away from flammable materials, like beds, rugs, and couches.
Monitor the device.
Unplug after charging.

Recycle batteries responsibly

Never place lithium-ion batteries in the regular trash or recycling bin. Damaged or improperly discarded batteries can ignite and cause fires in garbage trucks and landfills, creating a serious public safety issue. Instead, take used batteries to a certified battery recycling center. Find a spot near you at Call2Recycle.org.

Learn more about lithium-ion-battery fire safety on the Texas Insurance Podcast.

Learn more

Smoke alarms: Where to put them, how often to replace batteries
How to escape from a house fire
Safe charging tips for your home (National Fire Protection Association video)

September 4, 2025

Student housing fire safety

Español

September and October are peak months for fires in student-housing—especially between 4 p.m. and midnight. Most of these are cooking fires.

From 2019 to 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual average of 3,231 structure fires in dorms, fraternity and sorority houses, and other related properties.

Use these tips to stay safe:

Make sure bedroom and other living areas have working smoke alarms.
Practice a fire escape plan. Find two ways out of your room, apartment, or home.
Don’t cook when you’re distracted. It could lead to a mistake and fire.
Don’t use candles or incense.
Keep exits, hallways, and stairwells clear of furniture or any obstructions.
Clean the dryer lint trap before and after each use. Clogged vents are a fire hazard.
Make sure you and your roommates know your dorm or housing’s safe meeting place.
Leave quickly if an alarm sounds. Even a short delay can be dangerous. Leave everything and get out.

Learn more

August 6, 2025

Fire in your house? Get out fast.

Español

If a fire breaks out in your home, you might have just minutes to escape.

So get out.

Leave.

Don’t hesitate.

Use these tips to plan how you’ll get your family and pets out safely:

Make a home escape plan and practice it with everyone in your home. Have someone watch the drill and time it. Practice the plan until it’s automatic for everyone.
Practice your escape plan twice a year. Try one practice at night, one in daylight.
Practice finding more than one way out.
Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure exit doors and windows open easily.
Agree on an outdoor meeting place—a tree, mailbox, light pole. Make sure everyone knows to go there.
Teach your children how to escape without your help. Tell them not to hide under a bed, in a closet, or in a bathroom.
Never go back inside a burning building. Get out and stay out!

Learn more

August 4, 2025

Hear a beep? Get on your feet!

Español

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home deliver potentially life-saving messages.

Your alarm’s sounds can signal different dangers:

A set of three loud continuous beeps means smoke or fire.

A set of four loud continuous beeps means carbon monoxide is present.
A single chirp – repeating every 30 to 60 seconds – means your alarm battery is low and needs to be changed. If your alarm continues to chirp after replacing the battery, that means the alarm unit needs to be replaced.

Learn more about how smoke and carbon monoxide alarms keep you safe in the This Is TDI podcast featuring Kelly Ransdell of the National Fire Protection Association.

“We want people to learn the sounds of fire safety,” Ransdell says.

View podcast Q&A: How to know what your smoke alarm is telling you

Learn more

July 16, 2025

Is your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm chirping? Here’s what it’s telling you.

Español

Just about everyone has woken up to the sounds of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm going off in the middle of the night. But what do those chirps and beeps mean? In this video, we asked the National Fire Protection Association what the noises mean and how to stay safe from fires and carbon monoxide. Here’s a simple guide:

Smoke alarms alert you with three beeps in a row.
Carbon monoxide alarms alert you with four beeps.
A single chirp means the battery is low or the detector should be replaced.

Some newer alarms also have a voice that gives you directions. Other alarms, made for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, shake your pillow or have a strobe light.

Every alarm has a manufacture date or an expiration date. Replace your alarms before the expiration date, or within 10 years of the manufacture date.
Test your alarms once a month.
Replace the batteries once a year.
Replace the alarms at least every 10 years.

When you buy new alarms, put them inside and outside each sleeping area. Not just bedrooms, but anywhere people sleep. If your garage is attached to your home, you need one there too.

Have a family escape plan and pick a safe place to meet outside. Then practice your plan so everyone’s ready when an alarm goes off. If someone in the house has mobility issues, make sure they sleep on the ground floor. It could be a matter of life and death.

Learn more

June 12, 2025

Dogs sniff out fire accelerants for Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office

Español

Ever wish you could work with your best friend? Well, a few employees with the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) get to do that.

Positioned around the state, these handlers live and work with dogs that sniff out liquid accelerants at fire scenes.

Trained dogs have helped the SFMO look for traces of ignitable liquids for over 30 years. Each time a dog detects a suspicious smell, it’s rewarded with a toy or ball.

Learn more about these dog detectives on this Texas Insurance podcast.

Learn more

May 1, 2025

Safely store flammable and combustible liquids and gasses

Español

You might not always think about it, but vapors from flammable and combustible liquids and gas can ignite easily. Make sure you are storing them properly and safely.

Read the label. Hazardous products should have storage and safety information written on the label. Read that information before you use or store the product.
Store them away from vapors and heat sources. Gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, paint solvents, and some cleaning fluids, have vapors that can ignite. Store them away from heat sources, including stoves and electric motors. An ideal place would be outside the home, like a garden shed.
Watch those dirty rags. Oily and solvent-wet rags just sitting in open air can catch fire. Store these rags in tightly-sealed metal containers away from structures.
Be careful with your hairspray. Some items in your bathroom, such as hairspray, nail polish, and nail polish remover are flammable and shouldn’t be used near flames—and definitely don’t smoke while using them.

Learn more

March 13, 2025

Do you know your home’s wildfire risk?

Español

In 2011, the most destructive wildfire in Texas history destroyed more than 1,600 homes in Bastrop County. A decade later, wildfires continue to pose a risk to much of Texas – and the risk increases as population expands into wilderness areas.

You can use the Texas Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal to check the wildfire risk for your home. Just enter your address, and you’ll get a look at the risk for your property and the surrounding area. Then listen to our interview with the Texas A&M Forest Service about what you can do to reduce those risks and protect your home.

Learn more

March 7, 2025

What to know about garage fires and safety

Español

You’re an expert at safety. Smoke alarms? Installed and tested. Escape plan? Posted on the fridge and practiced. But have you thought about every room in your house? Have you thought about the garage?

Garages pose unique fire and safety challenges. Here are some tips to make your car’s bedroom as safe as your own.

Don’t run generators inside. This means your garage too. Always run your generators at least 20 feet away from the house.
Store combustible materials away from the home. This includes paints, varnishes, oil, gas, and propane. A shed is a good place.
Leave the garage right after you start your car. Never leave your car idling, even with the garage door open. This could lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
Keep a fire extinguisher in your garage. Make sure it’s loaded, and you know how and when to use it.
Turn off your car. If you accidentally hit the button on your key fob, it could start your engine. Keep your key fob in a place where you can’t hit the button by mistake.

As motivation to keep your garage clean, get rid of clutter and anything combustible. Your fire department will thank you!

Learn more

January 15, 2025

Unknown fire hazards in your home

Español

Most people know that stoves, ovens, and candles are dangerous and can start fires.

But there are other fire risks in your home that you might not have thought about:

Dryers. Clean your lint filter before each use. Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe leads to the outside and is unblocked. Clean the lint out of your vent pipe every three months. There are tools available at local home improvement stores that allow you to do it yourself. Or, you can hire a professional or get your apartment’s maintenance to do this. You want clothes to be fire, not on fire.
Kitchen appliances. Our kitchens have all sorts of gadgets, like air fryers, microwaves, and coffee makers. Plug your appliances into a wall outlet, never an extension cord. Place them where they won’t get bumped or knocked over.
Lithium-ion batteries. Smartphones, laptops, hoverboards – so many devices in our homes now use lithium-ion batteries. Don’t overcharge your devices, and don’t place them on a pillow, bed, or couch while charging. Keep devices that use lithium-ion batteries at room temperature.

If there is a fire in your house, get out and stay out. Use your cell phone to call for help or ask a neighbor to call 911.

October 10, 2024

Smoke alarm tips to protect your family before there’s smoke

Español

If a fire breaks out in your home, you typically have about two minutes to escape.

Make sure you have working smoke alarms.

Key tips:

Put alarms on each level of your home and in every sleeping area.
Agree on a home escape plan so every family member knows where to go outdoors if an alarm goes off.
Test your alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years.

For more life-saving alarm advice, watch the latest Texas Insurance Podcast.

Learn more

September 24, 2024

How the State Fire Marshal’s Office keeps you safe during fireworks seasons

Español

Attending your town’s fireworks show or buying firecrackers from a roadside stand? Do you ever think about safety in these situations?

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has you covered.

SFMO investigators and inspectors check fireworks retail stores all over the state during selling seasons, like the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. They’re looking to make sure stand operators follow safety rules and make sure Texans are safe. After all, we’re dealing with a lot of fire power.

“We’re looking for anything that could be a threat to public safety,” said Lt. Chris Kress, an SFMO licensing investigator. “Things like proper exits, proper lighting, and making sure there’s nothing around the stand that could light on fire.”

Each fireworks store in Texas must have an SFMO-issued permit. What should you look for in a fireworks store? “Make sure it’s in a safe location,” said Lt. Chris Rusche, a SFMO life safety inspector. “You want something in an easy-to-get-to area with plenty of lighting.”

From December to July, SFMO inspected 1,014 fireworks stands and stores.

Rusche said: “Thankfully, the majority are safe and follow the code.”

And what about local fireworks shows or shows at baseball games and theme parks? SFMO makes sure those are safe too. Every fireworks show must have an SFMO permit. The permitting process makes sure licensed professionals operate the shows, that local fire officials know about them, and that they’re a safe distance from anyone or anything that could be in harm’s way. SFMO issued 1,598 display permits since December. That’s a lot of oohs and ahhs.

SFMO is committed to keeping Texan’s safe year-round. If you have questions about fireworks, call us at 512-676-6800 or email Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov.

SFMO is a division of the Texas Department of Insurance.

Learn more

August 1, 2024

Traveling? Remember to check for smoke, carbon monoxide detectors.

Español

Your bags are packed, you’re ready to travel. But do you plan to check your getaway spot for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors? That would be wise.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas that replaces oxygen in your blood when you breathe it in. It can make you short of breath or cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness—even death.

Each year, at least 420 people in the U.S. die from accidental CO poisoning, with more than 100,000 people going to an emergency room. And a 2019 study tallied over 100 CO poisoning incidents in U.S. hotels, motels and resorts—mostly caused by natural gas-fueled appliances.

Before or when you arrive at your vacation spot, check for:

Working CO and smoke alarms.
Portable fire extinguishers in easy reach.
Directions on how to exit the building.

If you own or rent an RV, make sure it has working alarms.

For less than $50, a small portable CO detector might be worth packing. Use it at your destination and help protect your family.

Learn more

July 10, 2024

Know the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning

Español

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Cell phones and other devices are a big help in a weather emergency. They're a quick way to check in with friends and relatives or call for help. But if the power’s out and your battery is low, be careful where you recharge your devices.

It may be tempting to use a running car or truck to charge your phone, but never do that when your vehicle is in a garage. Most engines put out carbon monoxide, a deadly gas you can’t see or smell.

A running car can create enough carbon monoxide build-up to kill you, even if the garage door is open. Wind can blow carbon monoxide back into your garage, or even inside your house if doors, windows, or vents are open.

If you can do so safely, move your vehicle out of the garage and away from your home. Then it’s OK to start the engine and recharge your phones and devices in the vehicle.

Be careful when you use generators and other sources of carbon monoxide as well.

Learn more

Carbon monoxide detectors save lives (video)

June 13, 2024

Lighting a fire? Heed these Texas safety tips.

Español

Remember to stay safe every time you light an outdoor fire.

Some Texas tips:

Check with your city and county about burn bans and local rules for outdoor fires. The Texas A&M Forest Service’s map lists county burn bans.
Statewide, Texas limits outdoor burning to campfires, bonfires, fire pits, cooking fires—and household trash fires on your home property and only if you don’t have trash pickup.
Avoid starting an outdoor burn on dry, windy days.
Always stay by your fire until it’s out.
Keep water and a shovel and rake handy to douse the fire if it starts to spread.

Listen: The state fire marshal, Debra Knight, talks about summer fire safety on the Texas Insurance podcast.

Learn more

Outdoor burning: What to know before you light the match
Wildfire risks: Projects to help you protect your home
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Outdoor Burning in Texas
Texas A&M Forest Service: Prevent Wildfire| video

February 29, 2024

Texas wildfires: Insurance can cover home, auto damages.

Español

Your insurance can apply if a wildfire damages or destroys your home or car.

Some insurance tips:

Homeowners insurance will pay to repair or replace your home or property if it is damaged or destroyed in a fire or storm, up to the policy limits. You’ll have to pay your deductible. Damage from an explosion or smoke also is typically covered.
If you can't stay in your home because of damage covered by your policy, your homeowners or renters policy may pay for a hotel or rental. Check your policy for limits on the coverage.
Your car is covered if you have comprehensive coverage. Some policies will pay for a rental car if yours is damaged.
Call your agent or read your policy to check details.

Questions? Call the Texas Department of Insurance’s Help Line at 800-252-3439, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Learn more

October 12, 2023

Prevent cooking fires, protect your home

Español

Cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires.

So do right in your kitchen and protect your home.

Cooking safety tips:

Once you start cooking, keep your eyes on the sizzle. Inattention can lead to flames you don’t want.
Try not to leave the kitchen while cooking — and never ditch a hot stovetop. If you stray from your oven, set a timer so you’re back before dinner chars.
If children are afoot, keep them 3 feet away from your cooking zone, indoors or out. Enforce the zone for your pets too.

Get more tips in our cooking safety podcast featuring Kelly Ransdell of the National Fire Protection Association. The association marks National Fire Prevention Week each October.

Learn more

April 25, 2023

Dog burned in fire now helps state investigate fires

Español

A collage of pictures of Harley an arson investigator dog.

Harley was destined to be a K-9 arson investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. When she was just 3 weeks old, a heat lamp burst in her kennel and started a fire. Harley's mother barked for help until the owners came to rescue her puppies.

The owners didn’t notice that Harley was stuck between a kennel and a fence until the fire was out. She was the only puppy hurt in the fire.

While Harley was getting treatment for her burns, the owners reached out to Tommy, a lieutenant with the Fire Marshal’s Office, about adopting the German shepherd as a family pet. His daughter and the owner’s daughter were friends.

Tommy said Harley was a handful as a puppy.

“She was like: Here, throw this toy; here, throw it again. She was always wanting to play,“ Tommy said. “She was always wanting to work.”

Harley joined Tommy’s other dog, Clear, on the family’s 165-acre ranch in Central Texas. Clear was Tommy’s K-9 partner, helping him investigate fires with the Fire Marshal’s Office. Clear’s job was to sniff out accelerants to learn what caused a fire.

As Tommy got to know Harley, he realized she had some qualities that would make her a good K-9 partner.

“When you can leave a toy in the pasture for a week, and she can go search for 15 minutes and find it, you think: Dog, you might have something here,” Tommy said.

When Harley was 2 years old, and Clear was 11 and ready to retire, Tommy proposed the idea to his captain. After a lengthy process, Harley was approved to start training in 2021. Tommy and Harley were certified as an accelerant detection K-9 team three months later.

K-9 handlers across the state have been impressed with Harley’s “nose on source” indications.

“She puts her nose on a source and lays down as flat as she can and holds still, waiting for a command to come get her toy,” said Tommy. “She really gets into her work.”

As for the kennel fire, Harley fully recovered from her burns and probably doesn’t remember it.

“She’s done with that,“ said Tommy. “She has other things to do.”

Insurance tips and help

How to get help or file a complaint: We can answer insurance questions, help with problems, and explain how to file a complaint against an insurance company or agent.

Videos: Our video library has short tips and interviews with experts on dozens of topics.

Insurance tips: Use our tips to get the best deal on insurance, protect yourself from fraud, and learn what to do when you have a problem.