Consumers warned: fire risk rises over Christmas period

Posted : 22-12-2004

Home owners are being warned to protect their properties against fire this Christmas.

Sainsbury's Bank predict that fire could break out in 43,000 homes over the Christmas period, with the number of home insurance claims relating to fire being at its highest over December.

The bank calculates that 214,000 people have made house fire-related claims over the past five years during the festive period and have thus urged caution.

"Faulty Christmas lights and the greater use of candles can contribute to an increase in the number of fires at home over the festive period," said Robert O'May, home insurance manager at Sainsbury's Bank.

"In extreme cases, even lighting the Christmas pudding can result in a fire! The huge amount of Christmas cooking can also be a major contributor so take care in the kitchen."

Consumers have been provided with extensive advice as how to avoid being the victim of a fire, with Sainsbury's Bank urging home owners to check their fire alarms and not to leave candles unattended for instance.
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