Households could be at heightened risk of fire, with new research from an insurance firm showing that 73% of people are not only at risk of house fires, but also unequipped to combat a fire.
According to the QBE research, five in seven people are engaging in at least one of five top risky behaviours common in cooler weather.
The top risks include:
• Not emptying the lint filter in tumble dryers: More than 60% of people admit to this, and 28% leave the dryer on while not at home;
• Charging devices in bed: More than 60% – and 83% aged 21–34 – often or always charge their phones, tablets or laptops in or by their bed. Charging items on or under a pillow, blanket or couch doesn’t allow for adequate ventilation, and can lead to fire ignition;
• Leaving cooking unattended: 73% of people admit to leaving cooking unattended, and 22% say they do it all the time, despite kitchen fires being behind one in seven fire-related insurance claims;
• Slacking off on kitchen cleaning: Accumulations of grease, grime and crumbs are a key fire risk, however 60% of people don’t regularly clean their kitchen appliances, and half don’t regularly clean their ovens as recommended.
• Neglecting to check heaters for safety: 65% of people are using gas or electric heaters to stay warm, yet one in five have never safety checked their heaters.
