A house fire is among all of our worst nightmares, and the effects can be devastating. It is essential that you have home insurance to rebuild or repair your home in the event of a fire, but of course people cannot be replaced so easily. Even where no injuries occur, a fire can be very traumatic and the loss of photographs and other possessions with sentimental value can be very difficult.
It is unsurprising then that insurers are keen to assist customers to minimise the risk of house fires, not only because it makes sense from a business perspective but because of the high risk of death or serious injury from even a relatively minor fire.
To make sure you are aware of a fire before it is too late, install smoke alarms and make sure they are regularly checked. Fire alarms ought to be replaced at least every ten years. Make sure that any windows with bars over them can still be opened from the inside in case a family member needs to escape in an emergency. Agree escape plans with everyone in the household so that if a fire should break out, everyone knows what to do even if they are on their own.
Make sure that furnishings and fabrics are fire retardant. One of the most common causes of house fires in the UK is candles, so be very careful of where they are positioned and do not leave a candle burning unattended.
Do not place furniture or fabrics within three feet of a heater, and make sure all heaters and open fires are inaccessible to children and pets. Dont leave appliances on standby, and dont overload plugs and sockets. Check for frayed cables and repair any faults.
In the kitchen, prevent fat from building up in grill pans and in the oven by keeping them clean, and never throw water over a chip pan fire as this will cause the fire to spread. Smother small kitchen fires with a fire blanket or wet tea towel, but call the fire brigade for any large fires.
If you follow these simple steps then the likelihood that you will need to call your insurer to claim for fire damage will be greatly reduced. However, do not be tempted to skimp on home insurance, because the difference in cover can be great for even a small increase in premium. Weigh up the likelihood of a fire against the impact it would have on you and your family before you choose the right level of cover for you.
