Fire accidents in the UK every year average 45,000, equating to a whopping annual bill of millions of pounds worth of damage (not to mention the risk to health and safety – 300 people were killed in house fires in 2006). According to the article “Sharp increase in house fires during winter months” the likelihood of us placing a claim on our home insurance for fire damage increases by sixty one per cent in December. We need to be ever vigilant for fire hazards during the winter months because if ever you were likely to have a fire, it would be now, during the Christmas season.
As a result of analysing trends of fire claims between September 2007 and August 2008, Direct Line discovered first of all that it was the Summer that produced fewer fire claims than any other season and that secondly, fires become more common as we head towards the winter. They found that average total fire claims increased by 25% throughout the autumn and increased by 50% in the winter.
With statistics revealing the likelihood of fire incidences being much lower in July and August than any other time of the year we can all be on our guard as we prepare to embark upon the season with the worst house fire occurrences.
Thinks to look out for in order to prevent a house fire are our Christmas lights. They may look pretty but fairy lights and illuminations are the worst fire contributors of the lot! Next ensure your open fire is secured and not left un-manned and the same applies to oil burners and candles.
Take the proper precautions when smoking indoors. During the winter months, we would rather keep warm when we are puffing away so there is a tendency to fall asleep with a cigarette left burning.
Fires are additionally caused during the winter through faulty electric blankets, heaters and other electrical items. Do not leave them on unattended for long periods of time or you will risk a fire starting.
Thanks to campaigns to increase awareness of fire hazards and the presence of smoke alarms, we are on our way to protecting our families and preventing incidences of fire in our homes. Direct Line who have been monitoring the trends in fire claims throughout the year are now taking positive steps and providing safety information for their customers. One such significant piece of fire safety advice is that a smoke alarm should be placed on every floor in your home to detect swiftly any threat. By testing your smoke alarm every week in case the battery runs out and discarding old Christmas tree lights you are on the road to good home fire safety. Other fire safety measures include not smoking in bed, not overloading power sockets, keeping matches and lighters away from children, not burning candles near curtains, under shelves or on the bath and always having a fire escape plan.