Increase in deadly residential fire incidents
In the wake of a significant increase in domestic fire claims, it's essential to be vigilant and proactive about fire safety in our homes. RACV Home Insurance holders made 78 large claims where the cost for damages exceeded $100,000 in Financial Year 2021.
Cooking accidents were the second leading cause of a spike in fatal domestic fire claims, with faulty appliances such as electric blankets, batteries in charge, ovens in use, and clothes dryers being the leading cause. Cigarette butts were also a contributing factor, causing 5 claims due to their ability to easily ignite nearby papers or flammable objects.
To reduce the risk of domestic fires, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Appliance Safety
- Regular maintenance: Ensure appliances are in good working condition. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, and replace worn parts promptly.
- Avoid overloading: Never overload electrical outlets or extension cords, as this can lead to overheating and fires.
- Proper installation: Ensure that all appliances are installed correctly and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
- Installation: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. All alarms should be interconnected.
- Testing: Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly.
- Battery Replacement: Replace batteries once a year, or as specified by the manufacturer.
- Alarm Replacement: Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Cooking Precautions
- Supervise Cooking: Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using oil or grease.
- Pot Handles: Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent children from accidentally knocking them over.
- Kitchen Safety: Keep hot items away from children and ensure that oven mitts, towels, and other combustible materials are kept at a safe distance.
Clutter Management
- Clear Clutter: Keep walkways and living spaces clear of clutter to avoid tripping hazards and reduce fuel for fires.
- Flammable Materials: Ensure that flammable materials, such as curtains, are kept away from heat sources.
Proper Disposal of Cigarette Butts
- Use a Fireproof Ashtray: Use a fireproof ashtray when smoking outdoors.
- Dispose Safely: Dispose of cigarette butts safely by ensuring they are fully extinguished in a fireproof container.
- Distance from Flammables: Keep ashtrays at least three feet away from any flammable materials, including the house itself.
Additional Safety Measures
- Create a Fire Escape Plan: Develop a plan with two ways out of every room and practice it regularly. Designate a safe meeting place outside the home.
- Fire Safety Training: Educate family members on fire safety practices, including “stop, drop, and roll” and how to use fire extinguishers.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to identify potential fire hazards and address them promptly.
As the festive season approaches, it's important to ensure that you have adequate home insurance coverage to protect your buildings and contents in the event of something unexpected, such as fire. Always smoke outside of the home and ensure the cigarette is completely extinguished before disposing of it. Dispose of flammable items such as cardboard boxes and paperwork in the home and garage to reduce clutter and potential fire hazards.
RACV Head of Home Insurance Kirsty Hayes emphasizes the importance of being vigilant to the constant danger of fire in the home. "Be especially vigilant when cooking around children," she advises. If unsure about the safety of an electrical appliance, it should be disposed of and replaced with a brand new one.
Sources:
- RACV Home Insurance
- RACV Home Insurance Claims Statistics
- Energy Safe Victoria
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Fire Services Victoria
Adhering to the recommendations of RACV Home Insurance can help mitigate the risk of fire in home-and-garden environments. This includes regular maintenance of appliances, smoke alarm maintenance, precautions during cooking, clutter management, proper disposal of cigarette butts, creating a fire escape plan, fire safety training, and regular inspections.
As the festive season approaches, remember to prioritize lifestyles that embrace fire safety measures to protect your home from unexpected fires. Be mindful of the importance of properly disposing of flammable items and ensuring cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal.
