Five Festive Facts ….Fire

Five Festive Facts… Fire
Welcome to Week 4. Each one is ‘insurance’ related to the Season. With one Fact for each week in the run up to Christmas, we will give some practical advice on how to protect your home, business and family to minimise the risk of any insurance misery.
This week… Fire
When it is so cold and icy outside, we are more likely to think of the risks of snow, ice and freezing temperatures (see http://www.ajcconsultants.ltd.uk/be-prepared-ten-steps-to-protect-your-home-from-frozen-and-burst-pipes/  for advice and tips), however, Christmas is also a time when we are more likely to cause a fire in our home:

The party season can make for a potentially hazardous time. Cigarettes and alcohol are the biggest cause of deaths by fire in the home.

In the financial year 2011/12, West Midlands Fire Service attended 1092 Accidental Dwelling fires that were electrically related.

Fires that occur in the kitchen account for more than half (59%) of accidental dwelling fires.

-Christmas Lights Make sure that tree lights have the BSS mark and that the flex is not damaged. When going out or to bed, turn off lights. Ensure that lights are used for their purpose i.e. only use outside lights made for that purpose.
-Candles Keep safe when using candles by ensuring that they have a suitable holder and never leave unattended or near a draft. Always ensure that the candle is properly extinguished before leaving the house/retiring. Place candles in a place where they are unlikely to get knocked over. Keep candles and matches out of reach of children.
-Open fires Make sure that chimneys’ are cleaned regularly and particularly if they have not been used for a time. Make sure that ventilation is adequate. Use sparkguards or fireguards (essential if you have children). Do not ‘overfill’ the fire with coal/logs and never light using flammable liquids.
-Electrical Appliances Ensure that electrical appliances are in good working order. Use a residual current device on outdoor lights and electrical decorations which switch off power instantly in case of an accident or fault. Do not overload sockets or adapters.
-Cooking Take care when cooking particularly if drinking alcohol which may cause you to lose concentration.

Sources: West Midlands Fire Service