Renters play with fire

The 27% of Australians who rent are a greater fire risk than those who own their home, since they are less likely to have basic fire-fighting gear, national insurer AAMI warned this week. AAMI's annual Firescreen report also shows that an alarming number of renters do not insure their home and contents.

AAMI Public Relations Manager Emma Watts said that while 94% of homes in Australia are equipped with smoke detectors, it is quite a different story for basic fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and blankets.

Just 25% of renters have a fire extinguisher compared to 37% of those who own, and only 17% have a fire blanket compared to 28% of homeowners.

"In addition to smoke detectors, which are compulsory by law, landlords should consider supplying tenants with a fire extinguisher and blanket to help protect their investment from fire", Ms Watts suggested.

The research found that only 58% of renters have home or contents insurance (compared to 97% of homeowners) and 40% of renters have no insurance at all (compared to 3% of homeowners). If you haven't reviewed your home and contents insurance policy yet or if you need a new insurance policy to cover your home, speak to one of the financial advisors at Intellichoice today on 07 3624 1900 to find out how we can help. We have access to a huge range of insurance policies and will find one to suit your needs.

An easy way to ward off winter fire woes is to do a safety check on heating appliances, yet the research found that many of us don't bother.

"Only 51% of Australian homeowners check their heating appliances at the start of winter - a practice which can potentially alert them to basic problems like frayed electrical cords or faulty gas valves", Ms Watts said. "For renters, only 45% check their heating appliances", she said.

AAMI suggests the following Top 10 Safety Tips:

1. Have an adequate number of smoke alarms throughout your home and test them regularly.
2. Develop a home escape plan and rehearse it with all the members of the household.
3. If you have a fireplace, place a screen in front of it when in use, and keep the chimney clean.
4. Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before placing them on the bed.
5. Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.
6. Keep wet clothing at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces.
7. If you use a clothes dryer, ensure you clean the lint filter each time you use it.
8. Use candles with care and extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the house.
9. Store matches and lighters in a secure place not accessible to young children.
10. Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances. Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check.