Insurers are concerned about an increase in the number of fires as people bring everything that gives off heat, from wood stoves to electrical appliances, into their homes to keep energy bills manageable.
Consumers are flocking to alternative heating systems to keep their energy bills manageable. Heat pumps and wood stoves are not to be dragged on. Electric heaters of all shapes and sizes are plugged in with extension cords and even the coal stove is back here and there. Director Richard Weurding of the Dutch Association of Insurers: ,,There are also experiments with candles in clay pots and heating lamps. That’s understandable, but it can turn out badly if you’re not careful.”
The Netherlands Fire Brigade also points out the dangers and advises to have chimneys swept regularly and not to burn wet wood. If the fuel wood is insufficiently dried, the deposits in the chimney will grow and the risk of chimney fire will grow. Many insurers require an annual wipe in the policy. Anyone who fails to do so and still gets a fire from the stove runs the risk that an insurer will not reimburse anything.
The Dutch fireplace and stove industry NHK recorded 30 percent more sales last summer. Wood and pellet stoves are especially popular. The NHK also emphasized the importance of a proper installation and a flue that meets the requirement. The trade association warned against ‘small companies that think they can make money quickly’ that saddle consumers with fire-hazardous installations. ,,You have to be aware that you are literally playing with fire”, says Gert Kooij of NHK. “I am shocked when I see how people connect flue gas ducts themselves. Right through children’s bedrooms. They are economic stokers, only the low costs count. Today I told someone on social media: ‘You are playing with your life’. It is not for nothing that there are rules for fire safety that a flue gas outlet must comply with. The drain through the house must be sheathed and insulated.”
Solar panels dangerous when installed incorrectly
Anyone who wants to limit the energy bill with solar panels should also pay attention to whether business is being done with a bona fide company, the insurers warn. Solar panels can also be a fire hazard if they are installed incorrectly, for example with cables that are too thin. According to the insurers, it is wise to check whether companies are affiliated with trade associations and meet the quality requirements.
The warning from the insurers comes at a time when the number of claims for house fires is falling sharply. Last year, the number of claims fell from 67,165 in 2020 to more than 59,000. This continues the downward trend that started in 2018. Director Weurding of the Association attributes the favorable development, among other things, to the fact that the government, insurers, the fire service and burns foundation have been drawing attention for years to the importance of prevention, such as the installation of fire detectors, which has recently become a legal obligation. “We also see a decrease in fire damage after New Year’s Eve, because heavy fireworks are banned and enforcement is better,” said Weurding.
This year’s annual fire prevention weeks are dominated by fire detectors and the importance of checking whether they also work and are in the right place.
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