Lloyds TSB Insurance warns of festive fire danger

Lloyds TSB Insurance is warning that it expects a dramatic surge in domestic fires over Christmas, as faulty fairy lights and unattended candles wreak havoc across the country.

The insurer anticipates a 70 per cent hike in claims for fire damage over the Christmas season and is urging the public to take extra care to avoid serious danger.

Recent research from Lloyds TSB Insurance revealed that ninety-two per cent of Britons feel they would know what to do in the event of a fire, but many don't take adequate precautions to help minimise the risks. One in five admit to leaving the cooker switched on when leaving the house, 16 per cent don't test their smoke alarms regularly, and almost one in three don't have a planned escape route.

Phil Loney, managing director, Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "If there's one clear and present danger this Christmas, it is fire. Come the 25th of December it seems that most of us forget the basics of home safety and in doing so we're putting ourselves in real danger.

"Whether you're putting up the decorations or preparing the Christmas lunch it's important to take extra care at this time of year. We're expecting a huge rise in the number of domestic fires, but, there is still time to avoid becoming a statistic".