Over Five Million Vulnerable To Household Inferno

Would we all know what to do in the event of a fire in our homes? It seems many of us would not according to a recent study.

Over five million adults in the UK live in property with no fire safety devices such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers or blankets, warn home insurance firms.
Every year 11,500 injuries are caused by fires in almost 60,000 homes, home insurance companies added.

To compound the problem further, Brits answering a home insurance poll proved themselves hopelessly inept in their knowledge of tackling fire, with fewer than one and a half million saying that they would use water on an electrical fire.

A further quarter of a million say that they would douse burning fat with water - a decision which would send a wall of smoke and flames bursting out of the pan.

Breaking the home insurance statistics down, more than eight and a half million adults do not have a smoke alarm in their home, and 25 million households are without a fire extinguisher. More than 30 million do not have a fire blanket.

"It is worrying that so many householders still do not have the basic fire safety devices in their homes," said a home insurance spokeswoman.

"With the prices of smoke alarms starting at just £5 from supermarkets or DIY stores there is no excuse for people not to protect themselves.”

"Thousands of people are injured by home fires each year so it is vital people take adequate precautions to safeguard their families and possessions," she added.

Some tips for what to do in a fire in your home:

•    Alert everyone.
•    Get everyone out – don’t investigate the fire.
•    If there is smoke crawl on the floor the air is clearer there. Remember smoke can be poisonous and can kill.
•    If possible close doors and windows as you go – this will slow the spread of the fire.
•    Before you open any doors feel them with the back of your hand, if it is hot don’t open the fire is on the other side.
•    Stay together if you are with others.

If you would like to know more about home insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance