Sagicor concern about house fires too

Albeit the middle of the rainy season, where the focus is typically and primarily on hurricane preparedness, recent incidents have shown that household fires are still a major cause for concern.

This is the message from Sagicor General Insurance Inc. (SGI), as they urge Barbadians to employ increased levels of caution when it comes to preventing the devastation that is caused by the occurrence of a fire.

“When it comes to our health we always hear ‘prevention is better than cure’, and the same can be said when it comes to fire and its potential devastating impact on our valued possessions,” said Mark Prescott, SGI’s Vice President of Insurance Operations.

“Far too many Barbadians have had the unfortunate experience of seeing their home or business destroyed or severely damaged by fire. In each instance, questions are always asked as to what caused the blaze, but more importantly, what could have been done to prevent it,” the insurance executive said.

Prescott identified some common fire hazards that individuals should pay great attention to, noting that many are simply a result of our daily activities and practices.

“A high number of house fires occur around cooking, especially when the kitchen is left unattended and particularly when using oil or high temperatures.

Overloaded electrical circuits are another major trigger, resulting from too many devices being into a circuit, thereby causing breakers to trip or circuits to overheat”, he said.

“Smoking indoors, along with accidents resulting from children playing with flammable objects, are also high on the list or common causes of fires.”

In addition to increasing their vigilance and employing preventative measures, Prescott encouraged Barbadians to install fire alarms and smoke detectors in their homes, while ensuring they are properly maintained by checking and changing batteries and confirming that they are functioning effectively.

He also argued that fire extinguishers should be considered, as these provide the opportunity for individuals to respond quickly to small fires before they are able to spread and cause significant damage.

“However, fighting fires is a dangerous activity and the number one priority should always be ensuring the safety of everyone by evacuating the house as quickly as possible,” he said.

Noting that a fire is one of the most devastating perils an individual can experience, Prescott stated that even with the best preparation, anyone can still fall victim.

It is for this reason that he emphasised the importance of taking out adequate property and contents insurance, to ensure that individuals would have the support and financial ability to manage the cost of rebuilding or replacing their property or possessions in the event of a fire. (PR)