Increase in Deadly Home Fire Mishaps
In the wake of a significant increase in domestic fire claims, it's crucial for homeowners to prioritise fire safety. Here are some key practices to help minimise the risk of fires and related insurance claims.
Appliance Safety
To ensure appliance safety, avoid leaving heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and candles unattended. Always plug space heaters and other portable appliances directly into wall outlets and place them on flat, nonflammable surfaces away from carpets or rugs. Unplug small kitchen appliances when not in use and avoid overusing extension cords or running cords under rugs.
Cooking Precautions
Stay attentive when cooking to prevent fires. The kitchen is a common fire origin spot, so consider using mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms and heat detectors specifically in kitchen areas. Avoid placing flammable items like paper, fabric, or clutter near cooking appliances or heat sources.
Clutter Management
Maintain clear spaces around heaters and stoves by keeping flammable materials at least three feet away. Keep matches, lighters, and other ignition sources out of children’s reach, and store flammable liquids in sturdy, cool places in metal containers. Regular housekeeping to reduce excess combustible clutter significantly lowers fire risk.
Proper Disposal of Cigarette Butts and E-Cigarettes
Dispose of cigarette ashes in metal containers only to prevent fire hazards. For e-cigarettes, do not throw them in household trash or recycling bins because they contain nicotine and lithium batteries, which can ignite. Instead, use designated household hazardous waste collection sites as recommended by EPA. Ensure cigarette butts and ashes are fully extinguished before disposal.
In addition to these practices, it's recommended to install smoke alarms on every level of the home (including basements), test them monthly, and have a family escape plan with at least two exit routes per room. A licensed electrician can test and tag appliances annually to ensure they do not pose a fire threat.
Lifestyle factors stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as increased working from home, are presenting new fire threats for Victorian households. As the festive season approaches, it's important to ensure adequate home insurance coverage to protect against unexpected events like fire. RACV Contents Insurance can help safeguard individuals from financial loss.
Underlining the devastating financial impact of fire in the home, RACV Home Insurance holders made 78 large domestic fire claims where the cost for damages exceeded $100,000 in Financial Year 2021. Faulty appliances, cooking accidents, and improper garage storage were the leading causes of a spike in fatal domestic fire claims. Cigarette butts were the cause of 5 claims in the increase of domestic fire claims.
RACV Head of Home Insurance Kirsty Hayes emphasises the importance of being vigilant to the constant danger of fire in the home. With the increased use of computer, office, and entertainment equipment in the home, it's important to be mindful of growing fire safety hazards, such as overloaded power boards. It is advised to leave smoke alarm installation to qualified professionals.
By following these practices and maintaining vigilance, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of domestic fires and related claims.
In the home-and-garden and lifestyle context, the surge in domestic fire claims serves as a reminder to prioritize fire safety, especially amidst increased working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the rise in claims related to faulty appliances, cooking accidents, and improper garage storage, general news about crime and justice reveals that cigarette butts were the cause of 5 such claims.
