Fire Insurance

Fire

There are few things more terrifying and potentially dangerous than a fire - insurance might cover the damage to property, but it won't help with lost photos or memories, or the emotional distress. Each year there are 36,500 accidental fires in the home, according to government statistics.

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These tips, provided by Alan Cripps, Graham Ellis of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, will help you to prepare your home to minimize the risk from fire – and to recover as quickly as possible should you get unlucky.

Tip 1: Take all the measures you can to prevent a fire in your home

A smoke alarm is an essential item of equipment for your home. They should be fitted at ground and first floor levels. You need to check that they are working on a regular basis. You should also have access to a Fire Blanket within the kitchen - adjacent to the cooker if possible.

Tip 2: Kitchens are often the places where fires start – so be careful

Cookers are the most likely starting place for a fire in the kitchen, so keep tea towels away from them, and keep ovens and hobs clean (a build-up of fat can easily catch fire). You should never leave pots and pans unattended on the cooker. Similarly, don't let children play in the kitchen unattended. Do not throw water over a chip pan fire, use the fire blanket, or a damp tea towel to extinguish fire instead.

Tip 3: Make sure your appliances are running safely

Ensure that all appliances are regularly tested, especially the main boiler. Turn off all appliances when you leave the house or go to bed. Leaving things on standby increases the likelihood of an electrical fire – and wastes energy.

Tip 4: Be very careful with candles and cigarettes

Never leave candles in rooms on their own – or where children are playing. Make sure candles are on a secure, solid surface in a holder and away from materials that could easily catch fire. If you are smoking in your home, use a large, solid ash tray to stub them out in, make sure they are completely extinguished and never, ever smoke in bed.

Tip 5: If the worst happens, be prepared

It might seem dramatic, but planning an escape route can help you to save valuable seconds when getting out of a building should it catch fire. Consider what you would do if your normal route in or out of your home was blocked by fire. Consider how you would evacuate children or elderly relatives. If you had to escape via a window how would you help them to climb down?

Of course, buildings and contents insurance will help you to replace lost belongings and get your home repaired. If you have been the victim of a fire, insurance cover is there to help. Be sure to meet your loss adjuster to agree a plan of action for getting your home repaired, rebuilt or even replaced.