Fire risks being ignored

Two in five Brits (40%) are failing to check regularly for fire hazards in the home, despite being aware of the dangers, according to research from Halifax Home Insurance. Incredibly, of those that have previously experienced a fire in the home, over a third (38%) still do not check for hazards regularly.

The nationwide survey among 2,000 Brits reveals the emotional impact of a fire as well as financial ramifications, with the majority (68%) admitting they would panic and not know what to do if a blaze broke out. Though previous experience has left some more confident of keeping a cool head, nearly a third of those who have suffered a blaze (29%) admit they would still panic in the face of another fire in the home.

And with emotions running high, men feel they (43%) are more likely to be calm and take charge than women (21%). Nearly one in 10 (8%) Brits admit they would attempt to try to douse the flames themselves as opposed to leaving it to the emergency services. Regionally, those in the North East of the country are most likely to panic in the event of a fire (33%) whilst those in the South West are most likely to be cool, calm and collected (33%).

When it comes to the top 10 items that Brits would try to save in a blaze at home once family and friends were safe, sentimental items that cannot be replaced were rated highly:

1. Handbag or wallet
2. Family photos
3. Mobile phone
4. Home computer
5. Childhood items
6. Jewellery
7. Family heirlooms
8. Clothes
9. DVDs and CDs
10. Wii or other games console

Whilst both men and women are equally likely to rescue their most important everyday items such as handbags or wallets, mobiles and even clothes, men are far more likely to want to rescue the home PC -while women prove the more sentimental of the sexes as they are far more likely to consider rescuing treasured family photos. The results highlight the need to take steps to prevent a fire happening in the first place, as well as the importance of having adequate home insurance for both buildings and contents.

And almost half of Brits (48%) could risk losing everything, as they admit they do not know what their home insurance covers them for should they suffer a blaze. Those questioned estimated the average cost of a fire to be around £57,000 yet the actual cost can often exceed £200,000.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Home Insurance, said: "The leading causes of fires in the home are cooking, heating, electrical and smoking materials - and a worrying number of those quizzed told us they don't regularly check these hazards. But it doesn't end there - the consequences are not just financial. The emotional impact of a fire in the home can be devastating. To avoid losing items that can't be replaced, or risking personal injury, we really would urge people to regularly assess their home for fire risks, and if in doubt do call an expert for advice."

Top tips to prevent a fire in the home

Ensure smoke detectors are installed and regularly checked throughout your home

Check gas systems for faulty valves, leaks or items that may cause an obstruction

Regularly check the state of kitchen appliances in the kitchen for materials that may prevent them working safely

Maintain electrical items such as power cords, wires, fuse boxes, plugs and sockets

Ensure fires, candles, oil lamps and other open flames are stored safely and extinguished when you leave the room

Teach children not to play with lighters or matches and don't leave them unsupervised with dangerous materials

Plan emergency exit routes and ensure the rest of the family is familiar with them. Don't block doors or windows which may be needed to escape fire

Ensure your home insurance covers you for the full value of your buildings and contents. Halifax Home Insurance offers unlimited cover for buildings and contents so you'll never be underinsured

AND FINALLY - if you are you concerned about any electrical or gas problems, don't hesitate to have them checked by an expert.

For further tips and advice on keeping the home safe visit the Virtual Home at halifax.co.uk/insurance/virtualhome