UK homeowners 'ignoring fire risks'
Personal insurance
11th November 2008
Homeowners in the UK are routinely ignoring fire safety risks, it has been claimed.
According to research by Halifax Home Insurance, 40 per cent of people are not properly checking for fire hazards in their properties.
Claims manager Martyn Foulds described the number of people neglecting basic fire safety precautions as "worrying".
He commented: "The emotional impact of a fire in the home can be devastating. To avoid losing items that can't be replaced, or risking personal injury, we really would urge people to regularly assess their home for fire risks and if in doubt do call an expert for advice."
The concerns come after a teenage girl was seriously injured in a house fire over the weekend.
Kent News reports that a police officer who attended the scene of the fire was also taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
