Reduce the risk of fire in your home

According to the most recent Fire Statistics Report (Source: Communities and Local Government, annual Fire Statistics Report, 2006. Published March 2008) from Communities and Local Government, there are over 55,000 fires in homes per year, 82% of which were accidental.

By following just a few simple steps, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting and protect your house and the people who live in it.

Start by getting advice from your local Fire Brigade – for free! Trained firemen will visit your home to advise you on three important areas. They will help you identify any potential fire risks in your home; give you advice on reducing or preventing these risks; then put together an escape plan for your family should a fire ever start. You could even be eligible for a free smoke alarm.

Be aware of dangers
Over a half of fires start with cooking appliances, so the kitchen is where extra care is needed. When you’re cooking, avoid wearing loose clothing that can easily catch fire, and keep tea towels and electrical leads away from any source of heat. Don’t leave saucepans on the hob unattended and look out for handles that stick out – either over the flame on a gas hob or where young children can reach.

Be careful when deep-fat frying food; if you do this often, it’s a good idea to buy a fryer that’s controlled by a thermostat as it can’t overheat. Never leave children alone in the kitchen and make sure that you store matches and lighters safely out of their reach. And remember, when you’ve finished cooking, turn off the oven and hob.

Look after the electrical appliances in your home. Turn off appliances when you’re not using them and get them serviced regularly. Clean out your toaster as bread caught inside can catch fire, and keep it away from curtains. And never overload electrical sockets – only have one plug in each socket.

If you smoke in the house, stub out cigarettes properly before you throw them in the bin. And never smoke in bed as you may doze off. Don’t leave lit candles unattended. Put them in secure holders on a steady surface, away from anything that can catch light, such as curtains, and again, away from young children and pets.

Assess your fire risk
Get into the habit of checking around the house before you go to bed – it will take just a few minutes. Turn off and unplug electrical appliances and heaters; check you’ve turned off the cooker; put out any candles and stub out cigarettes properly; empty ashtrays, making sure the contents are cold; rake out fires; close inside doors as this will prevent a fire spreading; keep the exits from your home clear and make sure everyone knows where the keys to doors and windows are.

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself and family should a fire ever start is by installing a smoke alarm – they’re cheap and easy to fit. You can buy them from supermarkets and high-street shops. Install one on every floor of your house and test them once a week. Dust them regularly and change the batteries every year.

Finally, make sure that everyone in your house knows what to do should a fire start. Put together an escape plan and keep it where it will be regularly seen. It could save lives…

Taking out adequate home insurance is essential for any homeowner. Should the worst happen and a fire damages or destroys any of your home or contents, you can be covered for losses.

With access to all these benefits, why not get a Privilege Home Insurance quote from us today?