Help keep your home fire-safe this Winter

NRMA Insurance has released new data based on the 1,143 home and contents claims received in 2022.  We spoke to NRMA Insurance Claims Executive Manager Natalie Major to find out how we can keep our home fire-safe in the winter months.

“Australians are using heating appliances and open fires more frequently in winter, so we want everyone to be aware of some of the potential risks and the safety precautions you can take to avoid them,” says Natalie.

Of those fire related claims, a quarter were related to kitchen appliances, due to either faulty products or unattended stovetops and ovens. It’s surprising how easily a stove top can catch alight and if the flames reach the exhaust system it can quickly spread throughout the house.

It’s a good reminder to keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby in the kitchen and always keep an eye on your cooking, particularly around open flames.

In 2022 NRMA Insurance received 40 heater and fireplace-related claims, with 60% of these fires occurring during winter.

While it can be tempting to use your heaters for drying clothes, this isn’t their intended use and they can easily catch fire, so don’t place clothes on top of or too close to a heater. This also helps protect your clothes from burn marks and melted synthetic fabric.

“With the weather getting cooler it’s important your heaters are in a good condition with no faults or safety issues. Remember to have your appliances, fireplaces and heating systems regularly serviced by a qualified technician as dust and other debris can build over time and spark a fire,” says Natalie.

“Never place heaters close to curtains or other flammable items.”

Be sure to clean the lint from your clothes dryer after each use as it’s highly flammable. A clogged lint trap will also cause your dryer to work harder and use more energy so it’s worth keeping it clean.

Data also reveals a surprising 15% increase in fires caused by candles since 2020. Open flames are always a fire risk and should be treated with care.

“Candles are a lovely addition to the home but need to be enjoyed safely. Always follow the product’s instructions, never leave candles unattended, or close to open windows, curtains, or walls,” says Natalie.

This is also a good time to test your smoke alarms. Press the ‘test’ button on the front of the unit until it beeps. If it’s hardwired and connected to other alarms, they should beep as well. If your alarm occasionally ‘chirps’ (a gentle beep), it’s time to change the batteries. Don’t put-off replacing batteries as smoke detectors are literally lifesaving.

By being mindful of the risks and taking a few extra precautions, we can all help reduce the chance of fire in our homes this winter.

To find out more about protecting your home and contents, visit our insurance page.

This content is intended to be general in nature and is not financial or professional advice. We recommend you obtain independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances, before making any financial or commercial decisions.