Home fire safety warning for winter months

With the chilly winter weather well and truly settling in across the state, Tasmanians are
reminded of the risks of house fires and the need to be vigilant when heating their homes
during the colder months, with figures showing Tasmania has the highest fire fatality rate per
capita.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said the Tasmanian Fire Service responded to more
than 400 house fires each year.

‘Worryingly, RACT Insurance research has revealed 53 per cent of Tasmanians don’t have
an emergency evacuation plan to follow in case of a house fire,” Mr Sayers said.

“Surprisingly, survey respondents without home insurance were less likely (34 per cent) to
have an emergency fire evacuation than those respondents who did have home insurance
(49 per cent).

“Insurance claims data from the 2014 winter season revealed a range of claims stemming
from electric blankets being left on, to burning logs rolling out of fires and leaving hot ovens
and stove tops unattended.

“Luckily many of our winter house fires are caught early, resulting in only minor damage, but
sadly some of our winter fire claims do end with a house being burnt to the ground leaving a
family with nothing.

“Things such as leaving electric blankets on, unattended candles, damaged electrical cords
or forgetting about food left in the oven or on the stove top can cost you everything, and
three minutes is all it takes for a house fire to take hold.

“There are common danger zones for fire in and around the home, including the kitchen,
faulty electrical goods, heaters and complacency around candles and cigarettes.

“Of the 41 insurance claims lodged with RACT Insurance last winter, the average claim cost
was $24,995.”

Mr Sayers said while keeping your family warm was certainly a priority, personal safety and
the safety of your family should always be the number one consideration when it came to
home heating.

“While there is an increased awareness of the importance of having a working smoke alarm,
thousands of Tasmanians still don’t have a home fire escape plan,” Mr Sayers said.
“The first priority should always be safely evacuating family and friends from a fire, and
knowing when to get out yourself.
“If you cannot quickly contain a fire, get out and leave it to the trained experts – risking your
own and your family’s lives to save your home really isn’t worth it.

“RACT Insurance is urging Tasmanians to be fire safe this winter and to visit
www.fire.tas.gov.au or free call 1800 000 699 for additional information about fire safety in
the home.

RACT Insurance top tips for protecting your home during winter

• Ensure your house is equipped with multiple working smoke-alarms and test them
regularly.

• Never leave cooking unattended – turn it off before you turn away.

• If you have a fireplace, place a screen in front of it when in use and keep the chimney
clean.

• Check electric blanket and heater cords regularly and ensure they are switched off
before you leave the room.

• Prepare a home fire evacuation plan and practice at least twice a year.

• Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths, and bedding away from portable heaters.

• Store matches and lighters in a secure place not accessible to children.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers