When you take out household insurance, it is a safeguard against not just burglary but also fire. Everybody should be aware of the damage fire can do and should also be aware of the most common causes of fire in the home. It is only small but a smoke alarm on each level of your home is one of the simplest steps you can take to reduce the risk of you or your loved ones being killed from fire in your home. It is very important to test the batteries in the smoke alarm each and every week and change them every year, and most importantly never remove the batteries for any reason. If you don’t have a smoke alarm you are more than twice as likely to die in a house fire as those that do.
Over 50% of accidental fires at home are started in the kitchen by cooking. Many are caused by people not paying enough attention or leaving a cooker unattended, however, there are lots of easy things one can do to reduce the risk of a kitchen fire. If you are cooking and have to leave the kitchen, turn the heat down or take all the pans off the heat, also do not cook if your have been drinking alcohol or have been taking strong prescription drugs. Do not keep anything flammable above the cooker i.e. tea-towels or oven gloves. Always keep the cooker clean and free from grease and fat build up as this can easily catch fire.
Another common reason for fires in the home is faulty wiring. Every wire in the home should be insulated and should never be exposed. Make sure all switches are in good working order, and never overload the sockets or place extension leads under the carpet.
A lot people die in fires that are caused by cigarettes each year. Tobacco in either cigarettes or cigars is manufactured to stay alight, meaning it can remain slowly smouldering away before its starts a fire. You should never smoke in bed especially if you are drowsy or have been drinking alcohol, as it is all too easy to fall asleep, drop the cigarette and cause an inferno. Also if you have been drinking or are drowsy it is best not to smoke in a comfortable chair. Candles and decorative lights are a growing cause of house fires, so it is important to have candles away from curtains, furniture or any other fabric which could catch fire.
The Fire and Rescue Service are often prepared to do home visits, these are usually free. When they visit they will inspect your home and point out any potential fire hazards and then show how to prevent and reduce the risk of fire. They will also be able to work out an escape plan just in case you will ever need one. Having cheap home insurance is a good way to protect your belongings but being aware of the dangers of fire will reduce the chances of you ever having to claim for fire damage or worse still, lament the loss of a loved one in unnecessary circumstances.