Household fires could increase by 200 percent this Christmas Day, according to data from Norwich Union.
Household fires could increase by 200 percent this Christmas Day, according to data from Norwich Union.
Today the UK’s largest insurer reveals:
- There has been a two-fold increase in fire claims on Christmas Day since 2000
- Norwich Union is expecting to receive 55% more claims between Christmas and New Year compared with a typical 8-day period
- Over Ł70m is spent by Norwich Union on fire claims each year
For Mark Jones from London, Christmas 2004 is one he’ll never forget. Mark returned with his wife from a Christmas Eve party to find the house filled with smoke because they’d forgotten a joint of gammon on the stove. Christmas was ruined: his children had to move out of their home, while he and his wife spent hours trying to rid their home of smoke and sort out the damage of Ł3,500. This year Mr Jones has vowed to take extra special care to avoid a similar thing happening again.
“Last Christmas was a total write-off for our family,” said Mr Jones. ‘We had to spend Christmas elsewhere, the children were incredibly disappointed and we had to sort out all the damage to our home when other families were relaxing and enjoying the festive period. This year we’ll make doubly sure that we enjoy a safer – and happier – Christmas.”
While Mr Jones’ fire started in the kitchen, analysis of Norwich Union claims data reveals that it’s Christmas lights, paper decorations and the increasing use of candles that combine to form the biggest fire threat over the Christmas period.
Nobody wants to be Scrooge at Christmas – by all means, indulge in a little Christmas spirit – but remember that alcohol, cooking and candles don’t mix. With this in mind, Norwich Union has created top guidelines to keep the fun in festivities and ensure a good time is had by all this Christmas:
- Ensure you check the smoke alarms in your home are working. Check them on a weekly basis and do not be tempted to remove batteries
- Make your escape plan. Get out alive - plan your escape route for the event of fire and ensure all your family and guests know where the door and window keys are kept
- Avoid overloading plug sockets and use a power-breaker, which will automatically cut the power in case of any faulty electrics
- Ensure you turn off all Christmas lights and extinguish all candles before you go out or go to bed
- Keep paper decorations, streamers and tinsel well away from lights and candles
- Place candles, including tea lights, in proper holders or on a heat-resistant surface
- Replace old Christmas lights with a new set which adhere to British Standards Regulations
- Avoid leaving young children or pets unattended in a room with lit candles
- Don't be distracted when cooking, fire starts when your attention stops. Take special care when lighting the Christmas pudding!
Mike Flaherty, property claims manager, Norwich Union, said: “Christmas is an especially important time when it comes to fire safety. And while Christmas presents mean that the financial costs in the case of a fire would be higher than usual, the emotional costs need to be considered too. Losing access to and damaging your home at one of the most important times of the year could be very difficult to deal with.”
The good news is that Norwich Union Direct provides Ł3,000 extra contents cover for added peace of mind for its customers over the Christmas period.
Sir Graham Meldrum, HM Chief Inspector Fire & Rescue Services, said: “Christmas and New Year is a time when we can relax and enjoy being with friends and family. We all like Christmas lights, decorations and candles - but they can all be potential fire hazards.
By taking just a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risks for yourself and your family. In particular, I would especially urge everyone to ensure that they have a working smoke alarm installed on each floor level in their home.”
-ends-
Media contacts:
Emilie Lien at Lexis PR on 020 7908 6421, 07956 106 987 or email elien@lexispr.com
Rebecca Holmes at Norwich Union Press Office on 01603 354 346/07800 690731 or Erik Nelson at Norwich Union Press Office on 01603 682264/ 07989 427086
Notes to editors
Mark Jones and his family are available for photographs.
About Norwich Union Insurance
- Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 14 per cent.
- With a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses, Norwich Union insures:
- one in five households
- one in seven motor vehicles
- more than 800,000 businesses
- Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.