Direct Line accidental fire warning

• Scotland has highest number of house fires
• Accidents in the home are the most common cause for fires

Scotland has become the fire hotspot in the UK with the highest number of fire claims in the home, reveals insurer Direct Line. This is closely followed by the South East and then the North West, which was the previous number one region for fire claims. Accidents in the home are the most common cause of fire claims.

Martin Egan, national property claims manager at Direct Line, comments: "There seems to be a shift in proportion of claims which used to peak in the winter but are now constant all year. Previously, December was by far the worst month for fire claims with people using candles and decorating their Christmas tree with lights. 

"Take care in the home. A few minutes spent looking at potential hazards could save a lot of heartache. Make sure you have the right insurance policy in place so should the worst happen, you are covered."

Phil Buckle, Director General of the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), said: "Appliance misuse is the top cause of accidental fires in UK homes. These fires – the vast majority of which are electrical - are so easy to prevent but they will keep increasing unless people understand the simple things that can and do cause them.  

“The ESC is there to help. Protect yourself, your home and your family by following simple tips, such as installing RCD protection in your fuse box and downloading the ESC free smartphone app that guides you through simple visual checks in the home."

Direct Line’s most common reasons for a fire in the home

1. Accidental
2. Electrical fault
3. Cooking
4. Arson
5. Spreading from a neighbour’s property
    

Fire hot spots by region

1. Scotland
2. South East
3. North West
4. South West
5. West Midlands
6. East of England
7. East Midlands
8. London
9. Yorkshire and Humberside
10. Wales
11. North East
12. Northern Ireland
     

Direct Line’s top fire tips

• Have smoke alarms fitted on each floor of your home and test them regularly
• Have a fire escape plan
• Always extinguish cigarettes properly and do not smoke in bed
• Do not leave cooking unattended
• Keep matches and lighters away from children
• Do not overload plug sockets
• Keep candles away from other flammable materials including curtains and decorations, and never stand them under a shelf
• Do not leave burning candles unattended and remember to put them out completely when leaving the house or going to bed

http://www.esc.org.uk/public/safety-in-the-home/home-safety-app/

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Notes to editors

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster
PR Manager
Direct Line
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk
020 8285 8682
07900 217 264

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales no 1179980. U K Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc, which is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting