Check your home this Fire Safety Week

Bonfire night may have been and gone but there are plenty of fireworks still going off every night, and fire hazards remain a major risk.

According to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), 200 homes a day are damaged by fires.

For that reason, November 14 to 21 has been declared as Fire Safety Week.

Organised by the Fire Protection Association and first held in 1975, Fire Safety Week is aimed at drawing attention to fire risks by bringing local fire brigades and the communities they serve together.

Halifax Home Insurance is joining in, by urging householders to conduct a fire safety check on their homes.

Measures people can take to cut their risk of a fire breaking out or being harmed if a fire does occur through simple measures like leaving internal doors closed at night, ensuring exits are clear, making sure all electrical wiring is in good condition and not smoking in bed.

Vicky Emmott of Halifax Home Insurance said: “With 200 house fires happening every day, there’s definitely more that could be being done to protect people’s homes and families from the risks of fire. We are urging all householders to spend a bit of time during Fire Safety Week checking their homes and improving fire safety measures.”

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Halifax: Bonfire night can pose risk to pets and home

Home and pet owners are urged to ensure they are properly covered with Bonfire night fast-approaching.

Many people hold private parties and are often unaware of the risks they are exposing their guests and themselves to when providing bonfire and firework entertainment.

Vicky Emmott at Halifax General Insurance explained that the presence of “explosives” means there is more potential than any other time of the year for “terrible accidents”.

“It is important to double check your insurance to ensure you are covered for fire damage to property, personal liability, and garden damage,” she continued.

“Those with cats and dogs may also want to consider pet insurance to protect their furry friends from the potential dangers of Bonfire Night.”

Research by Halifax has revealed that nearly 6 million people in the UK use lethal accelerants to get their bonfires going quickly, posing extreme health and safety risk to those present.

Post Office Home Insurance found that the most common insurance claims resulting from November 5th include, fires spreading to outhouses or homes, smashed windows, garden damage and personal liability for injury to guests or neighbours.

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