Alarming number of Aussies engaging in risky fire behaviour – QBE report

Despite seeing how fires devastate homes and communities during bushfire season, an alarming number of Australians continue to engage in risky fire behaviour – with four in five Aussies unprepared for household fires and 80% lacking a home fire evacuation plan, according to QBE Insurance (QBE).

QBE's latest data found that 73% of Aussies are not only engaging in behaviour exposing them to house fire risks but also unequipped to combat a fire breaking out. It also found that five in seven Aussies engage in at least one of five top risk behaviours common in cool weather, coinciding with the period when major domestic fire claim volumes typically spike by 33%.

Australians are also unprepared to deal with a fire if one breaks out, with 70% of the QBE report's respondents admitting they don't have a fire blanket or extinguisher.

David Gow, the head of property claims at QBE, emphasised the significance of fire preparation and education – noting that most Australians probably do not know they are taking these risks.

"Fire is a unique risk, and if action is taken to address the risk very early, it can prevent or reduce damage. If no action is taken, a fire at home can be catastrophic. Eighty-three per cent of households are only relying on smoke alarms. However, fire blankets, extinguishers, and evacuation plans can save homes and lives,” Gow said.

According to QBE, the top fire risks include:

• Not emptying the lint filter in tumble dryers: More than 60% of Australians admit to this, and 28% regularly or occasionally leave their dryer running when they leave home. This is a major safety risk as the lint produced in the drying process can become a fire hazard if allowed to accumulate.
• Charging devices in bed: Over 60% of all Australians and an overwhelming 83% aged 21 to 34 years often or always charge their phones, tablets, or laptops in or by their bed. However, charging items on or under the pillow, blanket, or couch does not allow for adequate ventilation and can lead to fire ignition.
• Leaving cooking unattended: Seventy-three percent of Australians admit to leaving cooking unattended, and 22% say they do it all the time, despite kitchen fires being behind one in seven fire-related insurance claims.
• Slacking off on kitchen cleaning: Accumulations of grease, grime, and crumbs are a key fire risk. However, three in five Australians do not regularly clean their kitchen appliances, and half do not regularly clean their ovens as recommended.
• Neglecting to check heaters for safety: Sixty-five percent of Australians use gas or electric heaters to stay warm, yet one in five has never safety checked their heaters. Electric heater wiring, cords, and receptacles should be checked regularly and at the start of every cold season. Meanwhile, gas heaters should be professionally serviced at least every two years.

“While some people may not realise there is a risk, there are others who may think it won't ever happen to them, and that's why it's so important to educate households about the dangers, how to avoid them, and how to better prepare for them, especially in the cooler months when we see the highest volumes of fire claims from peoples' homes. We want to see everyone staying safe while staying warm,” Gow said.

Amanda Leck, the director of risk and resilience at AFAC, the National Council for Fire, and Emergency Services, said residential fires have a significant emotional, economic, and social toll.

“Damage or loss of your home and possessions is a terrible loss, and it can take years to recover from the impacts of residential fire. But the real cost is devastating – more than one preventable residential fire-related death occurs every week in Australia,” Leck said.

“While it's important to stay on top of these risks, it's also a good idea for policyholders to check they have adequate insurance cover and that the sum insured – the value of replacing your home and contents – is up to date. Almost all policies include cover for fires at home, as sometimes, despite preparation efforts, a fire event can be unavoidable in some circumstances.”