Intensified occurrence of deadly home fires
In the financial year 2021, RACV Home Insurance holders made a significant number of large domestic fire claims, with 78 cases exceeding the $100,000 mark. This alarming statistic highlights the need for increased vigilance in preventing domestic fires, especially as lifestyle changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic present new fire threats for Victorian households.
To reduce the risk of domestic fires, focusing on appliance safety, cooking accidents, clutter, and cigarette butts, here are some key guidelines:
Appliance Safety
- Regularly inspect electrical cords, replacing any that are frayed or damaged. Avoid overloading outlets and use extension cords only temporarily.
- Unplug small appliances like toasters when not in use.
- Keep heating devices at least 3 feet away from flammable materials, furniture, and bedding, and turn them off when leaving a room or before sleep.
- Maintain clothes dryers by cleaning the lint filter before or after each load, and have dryer vents professionally cleaned regularly to prevent fires from lint buildup.
Cooking Safety
- Keep countertops and stovetops clean and free of grease and clutter. Immediately clean up oil and food spills once the stove is cool.
- Keep flammable items like oven mitts, towels, and wooden utensils away from hot stovetops.
- Never leave cooking unattended; extinguish open flames promptly.
- Have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket accessible in the kitchen, and never use water to put out grease fires—contain flames with a fire blanket instead.
- Clean grease buildup on grills regularly and check propane connections for leaks if applicable.
Clutter Management
- Keep areas around appliances, especially heating units and dryers, free of combustible clutter such as boxes, clothes, and paper.
- Properly store flammable substances like paint and varnish in metal containers in cool places.
- Maintain good housekeeping to reduce fire load and allow ready evacuation paths.
Cigarette Butt Safety
- Always dispose of cigarette butts fully; ashes should be placed only in sturdy metal containers.
- Keep matches and lighters locked away from children and stored securely.
- Do not smoke inside or near flammable materials; never discard cigarette butts on the ground or in trash bins without ensuring they are fully extinguished.
Additional general fire safety measures include installing smoke alarms on every level and near sleeping areas, testing them monthly, and keeping candles in sturdy holders away from anything flammable and only lit when someone can watch them.
RACV Head of Home Insurance, Kirsty Hayes, emphasized the importance of being vigilant to the constant danger of fire in the home. As the festive season approaches, it's crucial for Victorians to ensure they have adequate home insurance coverage to protect their buildings and contents in the event of something unexpected, such as fire.
In the home-and-garden sector, maintaining appliance safety is crucial for fire prevention, with regular cord inspections, unplugging small appliances when not in use, and keeping heating devices a safe distance away from flammable materials. General news stories may highlight accidents resulting from cooking mishaps or clutter, underscoring the need for kitchen safety guidelines and proper clutter management.
