As the temperature drops, leading over 50s insurance provider Apia is urging older residents to be fire safe at home this winter. The warning comes as Apia releases research showing one-quarter (26%) of Australians aged over 50 have experienced a home fire.
Apia Manager Darren Smith said there tended to be an increase in home fire claims during the winter months, so it was concerning to find that more than a third (38%) of over 50s weren’t confident they had enough fire safety equipment – like fire extinguishers or fire blankets – in their home to respond to a fire.
“In an emergency situation, like a home fire, having the right preparations in place for a quick response can make a real difference, and yet Apia’s research shows that almost a quarter (23%) of over 50s admit they don’t have a home fire escape plan in place,” Mr Smith said.
“The good news is that there are some really simple steps that all residents can take to increase their fire safety and reduce the risk of a home fire occurring during the winter months.
“Having a home fire escape plan in place and practicing it regularly with all members of the family is essential, as is checking that smoke alarms are in good working order and replacing batteries at least once a year or in line with your local fire authority recommendations,” Mr Smith said.
“The onset of winter also means many of us will be pulling the heaters and electric blankets out of storage, to make our homes warm and cosy during the cooler weather.
“A faulty or damaged appliance can start a fire in a matter of seconds. So it was concerning to find that one in every five people aged 50 plus (21%) said they didn’t bother to check the safety of their heating appliances at the beginning of winter.
“Consider having your appliances checked for faults by a licensed electrician, especially if they have been stored away during the warmer months.
“Heaters should also be kept well away from flammable materials, like curtains and bed linen, and cleaned regularly to remove any dust which could ignite when hot.
“Apia encourages all Australians, young and old, to use the start of winter as a timely reminder to do a quick safety review to identify and address common fire risks around the home,” Mr Smith said.
For further information on fire safety around the home, residents can contact their local metropolitan or rural fire service or visit their website.
Apia’s research also found:
- Cooking was by far the most common cause of house fires among over 50s surveyed, accounting for 42% of fires. This was followed by faulty electrical appliances or fittings (13%).
- When it came to fire prevention equipment, only 40% of over 50s said they had a fire extinguisher in their home and only 28% had a fire blanket.
- Females over 50 were less confident in operating fire prevention equipment, with 13% admitting they did not know how to use a fire extinguisher, compared to only 1% of males.
- Less than half of Australian’s (46%) aged 50 plus said they left keys in deadlocked doors and windows when at home to allow for easy escape in the event of a fire.
