New Research Shows Kitchens the Hot Spot for Home Fires
New research from SGIC has shown kitchens continue to be the most likely place for a house fire to start, with one in three of us admitting to leaving cooking unattended*.
Adelaide, SA (PRWEB) May 19, 2009 -- SGIC home insurance claims over the past five years show around one third of South Australian house fires start in the kitchen.
SGIC State Manager Lee Jameson said a recent household survey revealed under-25s and renters were more likely to leave cooking unattended.
"It's a concern that people are either unaware of the risks of leaving cooking unattended or are getting distracted and forgetting about what's on the stove or in the oven," Ms Jameson said.
"Kitchen fires can start and spread very quickly, often jumping to curtains and cupboards in a matter of seconds."
SGIC estimates there are more than 16 fires a month** started in South Australian kitchens.
Common kitchen fire hazards included overheated cooking oil on stoves and in ovens, bread caught in toasters, simmering food forgotten on stoves and hot plates not turned off.
Ms Jameson said many survey respondents were also relaxed outside the kitchen when it came to fire safety.
One in five admitted to leaving the clothes dryer on (21 per cent) while not home or the iron unattended (20 per cent).
Ms Jameson said beyond being diligent around the home, there were a number of straightforward fire safety tips people could use.
"Kitchen fires can be avoided by never leaving cooking unattended, and ensuring curtains, tea towels, oven mitts and any flammable items are kept well away from the cooking area," she said.
"When it comes to burning fat or oil fires, don't throw water on it as this will cause an explosive reaction, rather, put a lid over the burning pan or use a fire extinguisher or fire blanket to put it out.
"If you are contemplating purchasing a fire extinguisher and fire blanket, store them close to the kitchen entrance, and not near the stove.
Ms Jameson also suggested home owners have adequate home contents insurance and at least one functioning smoke alarm in each storey of the house, but they must be checked regularly to make sure they're working.
SGIC recommends these fire safety tips:
| | - Once a month, check smoke alarms are working and change any batteries at least once a year. - Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the kitchen entrance, and make sure you know how to use it.
- Have an evacuation plan and make sure everyone in your house knows it.
- Don't key-lock deadlocks on doors when you're home in case you need to leave in a hurry.
- Call 000 immediately if fire breaks out and can't be safely and quickly controlled.
|
| | - Based on a survey of 1000 Australian households by Woolcott Research on behalf of SGIC, February 2009.
|
** Extrapolated figure based on SGIC claims data and market share.
About SGIC
SGIC is a leading South Australian insurance provider offering, home insurance quotes, car insurance and more.
###
Post Comment:
Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/Q3Jhcy1TdW1tLVByb2YtU2luZy1IYWxmLUNvdXAtWmVybw==
Bookmark -
Del.icio.us |
Furl It |
Technorati |
Ask |
MyWeb |
Propeller |
Live Bookmarks |
Newsvine |
TailRank |
Reddit |
Slashdot |
Digg |
Stumbleupon |
Google Bookmarks |
Sphere |
Blink It |
Spurl
|
