A recent analysis by a motoring group and insurance provider highlights the need for homeowners to ensure they have the right level of cover to protect their homes or property against the risk of fire.
Data from the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) showed that the number of fire insurance claims in WA has risen over the last four years, with most of the claims being lodged during winter and early spring.
“The months of July, August, and September have consistently had a higher percentage of fires when compared to the other months of the year. On average, there is nearly a 20% increase in fire claims over these months,” said Glen Walker, RAC Insurance home claims manager, in a Mozo report.
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The data showed that within the last winter alone, RAC approved 100 fire claims – many of which could easily have been prevented.
Walker said a fire could start from a number of common ways, including from leaving flammable items too close to a heater, an open fireplace, candles, electric blankets, and overloaded power boards.
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) cited some simple ways to prepare against fire risks, including:
- Making sure the home has a functioning smoke alarm;
- Not overloading power boards;
- Getting rid of frayed electric cords;
- Turning off electric blankets and heaters before going to bed;
- Keeping candles away from curtains and putting them out before leaving a room; and
- Avoiding the use of LPG cylinders for cooking and heating indoors, as they can leak gas and become highly explosive.
“You’d think that in 2017, people would know to be vigilant when using certain heating items such as electric blankets, heaters and candles, but our data shows the message is not getting through,” Walker said.
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