Insurance News Archive

Property owners warned over Christmas fire threat

Property owners are being urged to remain vigilant against the threat of fires over the festive period.

Research carried out by Lloyds TSB shows that claims for fire damage increase by more than two thirds over Christmas and reveals that many property owners are not alive to the potential threat.

The group believes that many Britons do not take basic precautions to minimise the risks, with 16 per cent failing to test their smoke alarms regularly and many not having a planned escape route.

With the group expecting there to be a huge rise in domestic fires at the end of the December, Phil Loney, managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance, said that Britons needed to take measures to remain safe.

"Whether you're putting up the decorations or preparing the Christmas lunch it's important to take extra care at this time of year."

21 Dec 2006