With temperatures across the State forcing people indoors in search of warmth and dryness,
Tasmanians are being warned to exercise caution in keeping their homes warm this winter,
with data showing a significant percentage of house fires can be attributed to basic human
error.

RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers said their claims data identified that many house fires
were caused by easily avoidable incidents, such as leaving appliances switched on or
inadequate protection around fireplaces.

“Things such as leaving chargers on for extended periods, damaged electrical cords or just
forgetting to switch the iron off can cost you everything,” Mr Sayers said.

“Of the claims we received for major house fires, around one third are caused by incidents that
could easily have been avoided.”

Mr Sayers also pointed to electric blankets and heaters as potential fire risks if not properly
maintained.

“We receive hundreds of claims for ‘minor’ incidents and house fires, with heater or electric
blanket-relating incidents accounting for tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage,” he
said.

“These small things can quickly escalate and lead to significant loss of property and in extreme
cases, injury or even death.

“Keeping warm is obviously a priority in the Tasmanian winter, but in doing so we should not
become complacent about our personal safety or the safety of your family.

“We’re all guilty of forgetting to switch off the heater occasionally or leaving the oven on, but if
you just take a little bit more care and develop a fire safety routine for leaving the house, you
can potentially save lives.”

RACT Insurance top five tips for protecting your home

1. Ensure your house is equipped with multiple working smoke-alarms

2. If you use a fireplace, place a screen in front of it at ALL times

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

4. If leaving the home for any extended period of time, switch off all powerpoints in the
house

5. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
RACT Insurance CEO Trent Sayers