Introduction - Probably the biggest threat to human life in the home is the possibility of a Fire. Whilst most Homeowners will have an insurance policy covering against the peril of fire, it is far better to take precautions to prevent a claim. No amount of Home Insurance will ever compensate for your personal belongings and potential loss of life.  The most common causes of Fire in the Home are as follows:-

• Chip Pan Fire

• Kitchen Fire

• Smoking

• Candles

• Bedtime Routine

• Faulty Electrics

Simply fitting a smoke alarm will greatly improve your chances of escaping a fire. It won’t stop a fire happening but this simple, cheap and easily fitted device will help provide you with valuable time to escape from your property. Smoke alarms are available from most DIY stores or you could ask your local fire brigade.


Chip Pan Fires - Chip Pans cause more fires in the home than any other type of occurrence; they can start and quickly escalate if left unattended.

• Never fill your chip pan more than a third full with fat or oil.

• Wet chips in hot oil can make it bubble up an overflow.

• Always dry chips before placing them in the basket.

• Never leave a chip pan unattended to answer the door or telephone.

• Never place chips in smoking oil; it is too hot, turn off the heat and let it cool down.

• If the pan catches fire at all don’t panic, switch of the heat if safe to do so but never lean over the pan to do so.

• Never through water on to a chip pan, the hot oil will shoot out of the pan and could cause serious damage or endanger life

• Drape a damp cloth or towel over the pan to smother the flames

• Leave the chip pan to cool down for at least half an hour before moving

• If you cannot control the fire, shut the kitchen door, evacuate the house and call the fire brigade.
   

Safety in the Kitchen - As well as chip pan fires, there are other hazards in the kitchen, these simple tips may help

• Avoid hanging tea towels or cloths on your cooker.

• If you cooker is switched on always keep an eye on it.

• When your food is ready, switch the cooker off before you sit down to eat

• Don’t let leads from other electrical appliance trail across the cooker, they may catch fire

• Always clean your cooker; don’t let fat and grease build up.

• Pay special attention to grill pans as these can easily catch fire.

• Never allow children to be unattended in the kitchen.

Smoking - Smoking is the biggest killer in accidental fires in the Home. If you are going to smoke at Home be very careful especially at night and when retiring to bed.

• Avoid smoking in bed it is very dangerous

• Always use ashtrays of a sturdy design that cannot be knocked over

• Never leave a lit cigarette unattended always stub it out

• At night when tired or if you have been drinking take special care

• Keep your matches and lighter away from children, if you are not using them put them in a safe place.

Candles - Candles are very popular and in recent years the numbers of colours and designs have become almost limitless. However unattended or forgotten candles, especially at bedtime can be a great danger.

• Always place your candles on a flat and stable surface.

• Use a proper candle holder and make sure your candle fits firmly inside it

• Always keep candles away from draughts and doors

• Always keep candles away fro curtains or furniture or anything that can catch fire

• Always put candles on a heat resistant surface, avoid placing candles on electrical items such as The TV

• Never leave a candle burning if you are going to bed

• Keep candles away from children and your pets

• Always let your candles cool down before you move them

Electrical Fires - A large number of fires start in the home because of faulty or old electrics. You should consider having your wiring and electrical items checked by an electrician. Wiring should be checked at least once every five years.

• Before you go to bed, always switch off and unplug all electrical items except those that need to be left connected such as video recorders

• Always make sure that your electrical appliances are fitted with the correct fuses and plugs

• Avoid overloading multi plug adaptors, this may lead to overheating and cause a fire

• Avoid running extension leads under carpets or rugs. This will prove difficult to spot damage.

What to do if a Fire Starts - If a Fire starts in your home, remember that of paramount importance is staying alive, not retrieving possessions. Remember that Smoke and fumes can kill; some furniture may produce poisonous smoke You might only have a short time to get out of your Home but don’t panic. Tell everybody else, get out, stay out and call the fire brigade. If possible and before you leave try to close doors as this may help prevent the fire from spreading. Avoid opening any doors in your home unless you have to escape via one. If a door feels warm then there will be fire on the other side. If you are trapped go in to a room and shut the door, use towels and sheets to block holes to try to prevent smoke entering the room. Go to the window and try to attract attention. If the room you are in starts to fill up with smoke, try to stay as close to the floor as possible. Smoke will rise so the air closest to the floor will be easiest to breath. If you are in a first floor room and are able to jump out of a window, drop cushions or bedding out first to give you something soft to land on. Get out of the window feet first; lower yourself as much as possible before dropping to the ground.
 

Claiming from an Insurance Policy following a Fire - If you have a home insurance policy it will undoubtedly cover the peril of Fire. Some people believe that chip pan fires will not be covered by an insurance policy but they are. Contact your insurance company as quickly as possible, they may wish to appoint a loss adjuster and may even be able to help with tradesmen and estimates etc.   If you home is badly damaged or frequently has suffered a lot of smoke damage, your insurance policy will usually cover the cost of alternative accommodation for you. This is usually  up to 20 % of your sum insured. If you cannot live in the home, point this out to your insurers as quickly as possible and ask them to check your policy cover. In all probability, they will put you up in temporary accommodation until the restoration work has been completed.